We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

The National Times - Three-time world champion figure skater Sakamoto to retire

Three-time world champion figure skater Sakamoto to retire

SPORTS 20.06.2025
Three-time world champion figure skater Sakamoto to retire
Three-time world champion figure skater Sakamoto to retire / Photo: © AFP

Japan's three-time world figure skating champion Kaori Sakamoto said Friday she will retire after the Winter Olympics in February.

Change text size:

"I think it's better for me to make this a clean break than to continue for two or three years," said the 25-year-old, who won team silver and singles bronze medals at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games.

"I'll be 29 at the Olympics (in 2030) so I thought that's not possible," Sakamoto told reporters at an event in Kobe.

"I want to finish every competition with no regrets, so I want to seek perfection more than ever before," she said.

Sakamoto finished second at the world championships in Boston in March, missing out on becoming the first woman in 65 years to win four consecutive world crowns.

She said after Boston that the experience would help her as she looked forward to the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics.

S.Lee--TNT

Featured

Leverkusen Suffer First Europa League Defeat to Marseille

Bayer Leverkusen have suffered their first defeat in this season's Europa League, falling 1-0 to Olympique Marseille. The result ended the German club's impressive run of three consecutive wins and a 347-minute clean sheet streak, which was broken by Amine Gouiri's strike in the 77th minute.

Union Berlin President and CEO Demand Playing Time for U19 Star Linus Güther

Union Berlin president Dirk Zingler and CEO Horst Heldt are pressing for increased first-team opportunities for 16-year-old forward Linus Güther. Despite a standout record in the U19 squad, the teenager has seen minimal action with the senior side as the club’s attack remains stagnant.

Manchester United climbs standings after 3-2 Champions League win over Roma

Manchester United and AS Roma entered their UEFA Champions League Matchday 4 meeting at Old Trafford on Tuesday with different objectives as they looked to improve their positions in the 2026-27 league-phase standings. The fixture brought together two European clubs with considerable continental history.

Italy Claims Curling Silver at European Championships in Ostrava

Italy has secured its first-ever continental curling final appearance, taking home silver at the European Championships in Ostrava. The Trentino Spiller team, featuring Amos Mosaner and Sebastiano Arman, finished second after a tight match against Scotland, marking a significant milestone for the nation's renewed curling program.

Change text size: