Sakamoto Kaori Eyes Golden Farewell at Milano Cortina 2026

The curtain is beginning to fall on one of figure skating’s most joyful and enduring careers. Japan’s Sakamoto Kaori is preparing for her third and final Olympic appearance, with the women’s singles event at the Milano Cortina Games set to mark the last chapter of her time on the sport’s biggest stage.

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A three-time Olympic medallist, three-time world champion and six-time national champion, Sakamoto has long combined elite consistency with a smile that has become part of her signature. Now 25, she arrives at her Olympic swansong with momentum, and the possibility of a fairytale ending.

Strong Start in the Team Event

Sakamoto has already played a pivotal role in Japan’s campaign at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She won both the short program and free skate in the team event, helping Japan secure a narrow silver medal behind the United States.

It was another reminder of her competitive maturity. Having previously competed at the 2018 Winter Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics, Sakamoto understands the emotional and physical demands of Olympic pressure better than most in the field.

But the women’s singles competition presents a different challenge entirely. The depth is formidable, with skaters from Japan and the United States — alongside Russian-born standout Adeliia Petrosian — all capable of producing a gold-medal performance on the day.

Balancing Nerves and Belief

Sakamoto’s public persona often leans toward modesty, yet beneath it sits a competitor fully aware of what is within reach. Speaking before departing for her final Olympic campaign, she acknowledged the emotional intensity of the moment.

“I’ll probably die. It’ll be insane,” she joked. “It’s a bit scary. If I say gold and come up short, it’ll leave me frustrated even with a silver, and I might regret that. Winning a medal is an incredible feat. That said I wouldn’t mind one better than last time.”

That careful phrasing reflects both humility and ambition. Having already stood on the Olympic podium three times, she knows how rare that achievement is. Yet the desire for gold (the one prize missing from her collection) remains quietly alive.