Skater of the Year: Sakamoto Kaori’s Triumphant 2023-24 Season

Sakamoto Kaori’s 2023-24 season was nothing short of exceptional, culminating in her being named Skater of the Year at the Japan Skating Federation awards ceremony on Wednesday (24 April). The 24-year-old made history by becoming the first woman since Peggy Fleming in 1968 to win the World Figure Skating Championships for three consecutive years, tying Asada Mao for the most victories by a Japanese female.

Sakamoto’s success did not stop there. She secured her first Grand Prix Final in December in Beijing and clinched her third successive title at the Japanese nationals. To top it all off, her triumph in Montreal last month marked her seventh win in as many meets throughout the season. This recognition as Skater of the Year was even more significant given her achievements.

Reflecting on her successful season, Sakamoto expressed her satisfaction at achieving her season goals of winning both the World championships and the nationals for the third consecutive time. Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, Sakamoto emphasized the importance of preparing for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. She sees next season as crucial in laying the foundation for the Olympics and aims to focus on building her skills and performance rather than simply chasing victories.

Sakamoto understands the significance of the season before the Olympics and is determined to work even harder to sharpen her skills and be fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Her success this past season has been a testament to her hard work and dedication, and she is excited to see what lies ahead for her in skating competitions to come.