Sakamoto Kaori, a 24-year-old skater from Japan, has just been named Skater of the Year at the Japan Skating Federation awards ceremony held on Wednesday. This award is a testament to her incredible performance during the 2023-24 season, where she made history by becoming the first woman since Peggy Fleming in 1968 to win the World Figure Skating Championships three years in a row.
Sakamoto’s impressive achievements don’t stop there. She also achieved her first Grand Prix Final victory in Beijing in December and secured her third consecutive title at the Japanese nationals. In addition, she won all seven competitions she entered this season, further solidifying her status as a top figure skater.
When asked about receiving the Skater of the Year award, Sakamoto expressed her joy and gratitude for being recognized for her hard work and dedication to the sport. 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 the 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.
As she gears up for the challenges of the 2024-25 season, Sakamoto is determined to focus on laying a strong foundation for the Olympics rather than solely aiming for more titles. Recognizing