Pcharacters to remember. Among the competitions, awards ceremonies and moments behind the scenes of the Olympic Games, charismatic and magnetic athletes often emerge, capable of winning the affection of the public, entering the collective imagination. To the recent ones Olympics 2026 Of Milan-Cortinathis honor fell to Kaori Sakamoto.
The champion Japanese Of figure skatingin fact, she turned out to be one of the most admired protagonists of ice competitions. Thanks to performances as elegant as they were powerful, Kaori Sakamoto greeted the 2026 Olympics – her last Olympic Games – with two silver medals around her neck. Crowning a truly world-class career.
An emotional farewell
In Milan, to the tune of It’s time to say goodbye and of the eternal Don’t, I don’t regret it by Édith Piaf, Sakamoto therefore said goodbye to the Olympic competitions. «I managed to face the race with my usual composure. Many people came from Japan to support me and my family was also present, which gave me a lot of strength”, says the Japanese champion. She adds: «As usual, before each race I usually give myself light slaps on the cheeks to energize myself. After a pat on the shoulder from coach Nakano I can go on the ice.”
Kaori Sakamoto performs during the figure skating short program at Milano-Cortina 2026 (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
2026 Olympics Kaori Sakamoto, a stellar career
Furthermore, the last Winter Olympic Games proved to be particularly happy for the Team Japanespecially on the front of figure skating. Sakamoto, in fact, returns home with two silver medals, one in the team competition and one in the women’s singles. «Training together with squad it gave me even more motivation and made the desire to improve more intense. Watching pair and ice dance skaters, athletes I don’t usually train with, was particularly inspiring. We pushed and improved each other. I really feel that the bond within the team has never been stronger”, explains the champion originally from Kobe.
Kaori Sakamoto celebrates the silver medal together with her compatriot Ami Nakai, who came third in the individual race (Photo by Ranjith Kumar/NurPhoto)
Milano-Cortina 2026 marks, in short, the crowning achievement of a stellar career, full of medals and records. Among the moments she remembers with greatest pride and affection, Kaori Sakamoto cites the world championships in Montpellier, France, which took place the day after the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games. «I was dealing with post-Olympic physical and mental fatigue. With the Russian skaters unable to participate and given my results, I was considered one of the most credible contenders. The pressure was great because I had to win a medal. Being able to win the title in those circumstances was very significant».
A portrait of Kaori Sakamoto (Photo: Courtesy of Adidas)
And she adds: «The victory at the 2025 Japanese national championships was also very special, I was really satisfied with my performance. During that period, some orange towels with my name were put on sale. The entire building was dyed orange, with lots of people waving their towels, it was an unforgettable moment.”
Glamor and sophistication
Kaori Sakamoto on the ice at the gala that closed the figure skating competitions at the 2026 Olympic Games (Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images)
On the ice in Milan, Kaori Sakamoto also stood out for her sophisticated, romantic, ethereal costumes. «For my last season, the looks were created by ua French designer called Sophie. I sent her the videos and music of my choreographies and she designed the clothes based on the concepts of each program. His creations, always unique and distinctive, beautifully enhance the lines of my body. By intentionally avoiding superfluous fabrics, the outfits feel light and allow me to move freely. Each costume fits me like a glove and looks great on the ice, I love them all”, says the skater.
With these two medals around her neck, the Japanese champion can finally think about the future. «I aspire to become I am a figure skating instructor and I would also like to dedicate myself to the promotion and growth of this sport. I would like to visit Japan and the rest of the world with my friends. This time I want to travel without bringing skates (laughs)», concludes Sakamoto.
At Milano-Cortina 2026, Kaori Sakamoto ended an unparalleled career. Winning the hearts of viewers.
