Discover 5 Little-Known Facts About Japanese Skating Star Kaori Sakamoto
Kaori Sakamoto is a prominent figure in women’s figure skating. As she prepares for the 2026 Olympics, her accomplishments and personality continue to inspire many. Below are five little-known facts about this remarkable athlete.
1. Early Beginnings in Skating
Kaori Sakamoto started her skating journey at the age of four in Kobe, Japan. Her interest was sparked after watching the sport on television. She admired Akiko Suzuki, a renowned Japanese skater and world bronze medalist.
2. A Record-Setting Champion
In 2023, Kaori made history by becoming Japan’s first female skater to win a world title since Mao Asada in 2014. She is also the first skater in any discipline to achieve three consecutive world championships. This feat was last accomplished by American skater Peggy Fleming from 1966 to 1968.
3. Olympic Achievements
- Kaori debuted at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, finishing sixth in singles.
- At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, she helped Japan secure silver in the team competition and won a bronze medal in the singles event.
- She received her silver medal during the Paris Olympics in 2024, following an investigation into a doping scandal.
4. Balancing Education and Sport
Kaori graduated with a degree in economics from Kobe Gakuin University in 2023. She managed to balance her academic commitments with her skating career, attending classes remotely while training intensely for competitions.
5. Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Kaori plans to retire from competitive skating after the 2026 Olympics. She aspires to become a coach, with a vision to develop future athletes from her hometown of Kobe. Kaori believes that her experience can help inspire the next generation of skaters.
Bonus: Personal Insights
Despite her success, Kaori admits to feeling nervous before competitions—an emotion she finds difficult to shake. Interestingly, she also chooses to stay away from social media, opting for a more private life away from public scrutiny.
Kaori Sakamoto is a shining star in figure skating. Her incredible journey from a young girl in Kobe to a world champion exemplifies her dedication and passion for the sport.
