Sakamoto Kaori made history by winning the Skater of the Year award at the Japan Skating Federation awards ceremony held on Wednesday. She became the first woman since Peggy Fleming in 1968 to win the World Figure Skating Championships three years in a row, tying the record for most victories by a Japanese female alongside Asada Mao.
Sakamoto’s impressive performance this season included her first Grand Prix Final victory in Beijing in December and her third consecutive title at the Japanese nationals. She also won all seven competitions she entered this season, further solidifying her status as a top figure skater.
As she received the award, Sakamoto expressed her joy and thanked everyone who supported her throughout her career. She stated that her goal for the season was to win both the World championships and nationals for the third time, which she successfully accomplished. Looking ahead to next season, which will be crucial in preparation for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Sakamoto emphasized the importance of building on her performance to excel at the upcoming Olympics.
Recognizing that this season is crucial in preparing for next year’s Olympics, Sakamoto is committed to working harder than ever and refining her skills to be at her best when it counts. She expressed excitement about what lies ahead and is determined to continue pushing herself to achieve greatness on and off the ice.