Kaori Sakamoto, the big sister of Japanese skating, sets her sights on long-awaited Olympic gold

Kaori Sakamoto may be the fun-loving big sister of the Japanese team, but on the ice she is a ruthless competitor, intent on making the most of her final shot at Olympic figure skating gold.

The 25-year-old, who will retire at the end of the season, heads to next month’s Milan–Cortina Winter Games as one of the leading contenders for the women’s title at her third Olympics.

A three-time world champion, Sakamoto claimed bronze at the 2022 Beijing Games and is among the sport’s most popular skaters, admired as much for her warm personality as for her powerful jumps and elegant spins.

“I’m not the type of person who can stick with many things — skating is the only thing I’ve kept up for so long,” she said after recently winning her sixth Japanese national title.

“I started skating when I was three, and back then I had no idea how tough it would be. It hasn’t always been smooth, but all those experiences have taught me that life has many different colours.”

Off the ice, Sakamoto’s presence is impossible to miss. Her laughter often announces her arrival backstage, where she jokes freely with fellow skaters.

At the World Team Trophy — the biennial, season-ending team event held in Japan — she thrives in the relaxed atmosphere, leading choreographed celebrations and persuading teammates to don novelty costumes.

Seventeen-year-old Ami Nakai, who will also skate in Milan–Cortina, said Sakamoto’s presence is a calming influence.

“When I competed in my first Grand Prix event in France, Kaori was there, so I felt relaxed,” Nakai said. “I think I wasn’t nervous because she was around.”

Mental strength

While Sakamoto helps others stay calm, she has admitted she struggles to settle her own nerves, sometimes becoming so anxious before competitions that her hands tremble.

Pressure was intense at the national championships, where Olympic places were at stake in a fiercely competitive field. Despite an uneven season, Sakamoto rose to the occasion, producing two superb skates to secure her ticket to Milan–Cortina.

Her long-time coach Sonoko Nakano said Sakamoto has always possessed remarkable resilience.

“She’s been tough since she was little,” Nakano said. “When her back is against the wall, there’s no one better at showing what she’s made of. I’m glad I was strict with her when she was younger.”

The national title also served as a timely reminder of Sakamoto’s class after a mixed year. She finished behind Nakai at the Grand Prix de France and left the ice in tears following a disastrous short programme at the Grand Prix Final.

But strong performances at the NHK Trophy and nationals have renewed her confidence as she targets Olympic gold.

Her bronze medal in Beijing four years ago was largely overshadowed by the fallout from Russian teenager Kamila Valieva’s positive doping test and subsequent collapse in the free skate.

This time, Sakamoto is determined to be the centre of attention.

“So many people have supported me,” she said. “I want to make sure none of that effort is wasted, skate with gratitude, and give everything I have.”