Kaori Sakamoto Retires at Peak After Fourth World Title and Lasting Figure Skating Legacy

Kaori Sakamoto concluded her competitive figure skating career at the World Championships in Prague by capturing her fourth world title at the age of 25. Her final performance highlighted both her technical mastery and artistic expression, leaving a lasting impression on fans and competitors alike. Teammate Mone Chiba, who finished second, remarked that speaking about Sakamoto’s achievements could go on endlessly, emphasizing the extraordinary impact she has had on the sport.

Sakamoto delivered her strongest performance when it mattered most, achieving a personal best in the free skate and earning the highest component scores ever in both the short and free programs. Just a month prior, she had suffered disappointment at the Olympics when a missed jump cost her the gold medal, awarded to the United States’ Alysa Liu.

This time, her tears were of joy and triumph as she celebrated her flawless performance, bouncing and jumping with excitement after her score was announced. Chiba, who had been leading when Sakamoto skated, was also moved to tears, alongside Belgium’s Nina Pinzarrone, the bronze medalist, who called Sakamoto’s performance “unbelievable” and said she would be greatly missed.

Sakamoto Secures Historic Fourth World Title While U.S. Skaters Face Challenges

Sakamoto finished with 238.28 points, surpassing Chiba’s 228.47 and Pinzarrone’s 215.20. This marked the first time Japanese women had secured the top two spots at a world championship since Miki Ando and Mao Asada did so in 2007. Her victory solidified her place in history, making her the first woman since Michelle Kwan in 2002 to win four or more world titles.

The championship also highlighted the struggles of the top U.S. skaters. Amber Glenn, who had placed third in the short program, faced difficulties in the free skate after an initially strong start, making errors on her final four jumps. Her final placement was sixth, leaving her just short of a medal. Isabeau Levito retained her fourth position from the short program despite a seventh-place free skate with multiple mistakes, leaving both U.S. skaters disappointed but determined.

Sakamoto’s career over the last five seasons has been marked by remarkable consistency and achievement. She earned three previous world titles, Olympic bronze and silver medals, and five consecutive national titles while competing against elite rivals. Her technical skill, combined with expressive artistry, has earned her recognition as one of the sport’s greats. Sakamoto expressed humility at being called the GOAT or one of the greatest, acknowledging the praise while remaining grounded.

Kaori Sakamoto Leaves Lasting Legacy Through Skill Artistry And Coaching Influence

Chiba praised Sakamoto’s unique abilities, highlighting her seamless skating, fluidity, and the impressive height and distance of her jumps. Watching her perform is an “overwhelming experience,” Chiba said, reflecting the combination of athleticism and artistry that made Sakamoto extraordinary. Her blend of powerful jumps and graceful movement has inspired younger skaters and left a permanent mark on figure skating.

Though retiring from competition, Sakamoto will continue her involvement in the sport through shows and coaching. She has obtained the required license to coach children, ensuring her expertise and passion will continue to influence future skaters. By stepping away at the peak of her career, Sakamoto leaves with no regrets, embracing the sentiment reflected in her final program set to Edith Piaf’s “No, I Have No Regrets.” She described her retirement as an expression of how she felt at that moment, a fitting end to a career defined by excellence, determination, and a deep commitment to figure skating.

Kaori Sakamoto’s farewell performance and fourth world title stand as a lasting testament to her skill, resilience, and influence on the sport. From her technical achievements to her artistic expression, she has set a standard that will inspire skaters for generations, cementing her legacy as one of the all-time greats in figure skating.