Figure Skater Sakamoto Kaori Nears 4th World Title Farewell

Figure skating icon Sakamoto Kaori returned to where it all started, and she's leaving on top.

The Japanese skating legend scored a season-best 79.31 points in her final competitive short program at the 2026 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague on March 25. With four Olympic medals and three world titles already to her name, Sakamoto is now one performance away from claiming her fourth world championship.

The location made the moment even more special. Sakamoto competed at her first Junior Grand Prix in Czechia 13 years ago as a young skater performing in front of sparse crowds. Now at 25, she returned to a packed arena filled with devoted fans who traveled across the world to watch her farewell.

"At that time in 2013, I could see maybe some people dispersed in the audience," Sakamoto told media after her performance. "Today to be able to have so many people in the audience, I felt a little bit of how far I came."

Skating to "Time to Say Goodbye," Sakamoto landed a clean triple Lutz, double Axel, and triple flip-triple toe loop combination. The performance reflected weeks of consistent training and earned her a score just one point shy of her personal best from the 2022 Worlds.

The podium places read like a reunion of longtime friends and competitors. USA's Amber Glenn, who debuted at the same 2013 Junior Grand Prix as Sakamoto, sits in third place with 72.65 points. Japan's Chiba Mone holds second with a personal best of 78.45 points.

Why This Inspires

Glenn, now 26 and an Olympic team champion, spoke about what skating alongside Sakamoto has meant over the years. "Kaori has been an incredible example of showing that you can be one of the top skaters for a long period of time and do it in a healthy way," she said.

Their parallel journeys showcase something rare in elite sports: longevity achieved through sustainable training and mutual respect. Both skaters have maintained their competitive edge for over a decade while supporting each other's success.

Chiba, competing for her first world title, also delivered a personal best performance. Her "Last Dance" program featured solid technical elements, but she was most proud of her signature hair swish at the finale, calling it the best execution in two seasons.

Belgium's Nina Pinzarrone rounded out the top five with 71.82 points after a clean skate to "Send in the Clowns."

One more performance stands between Sakamoto and a storybook ending to her career, but she's already created a lasting legacy that extends far beyond medals.