Japanese figure skating icon Kaori Sakamoto has officially launched her final quest for Olympic gold, confirming that the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games will serve as her competitive “swansong.” On 17 February 2026, the three-time World Champion took to the ice for the Women’s Short Program, performing a poignant rendition of Andrea Bocelli’s “Time to Say Goodbye.”
Sakamoto, now 25, entered these Games as the heavy favourite following a historic “three-peat” at the World Championships (2022, 2023, and 2024). Despite her dominance on the world stage, the individual Olympic gold medal remains the only major title missing from her decorated trophy case. She previously secured a bronze medal in the singles event and a silver in the team event at the Beijing 2022 Games.
Current Standing at Milano Cortina 2026
As of 17 February 2026, Sakamoto leads the field following a stellar short program performance. She is currently being chased by American star Alysa Liu and fellow Japanese skater Mone Chiba. The competition remains fierce, with the top 24 skaters advancing to the decisive Free Skate scheduled for Thursday, 19 February.
Earlier in these Games, Sakamoto added to her medal tally by helping Japan secure another medal in the figure skating team event at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. This brings her career total to three Olympic medals, with the potential for a fourth in the coming days.
Career Highlights and Legacy
- World Dominance: The first woman to win three consecutive World titles since Peggy Fleming (1966–1968).
- Olympic Pedigree: Three-time Olympic medallist (1 Silver, 2 Bronze) across PyeongChang 2018, Beijing 2022, and Milano Cortina 2026.
- National Icon: A six-time Japanese national champion known for her exceptional speed, powerful edge work, and longevity in a sport often dominated by younger teenagers.
Speaking to reporters in Italy, Sakamoto emphasized her desire to leave the sport with “no regrets,” stating, “This is really the last time… I want to enjoy it to the very end.” Should she maintain her lead through the Free Skate, she will become the first Japanese woman to win Olympic figure skating gold since Shizuka Arakawa in 2006.