Figure skating – Three-time world champion Sakamoto Kaori named Japan’s Skater of the Year

Sakamoto Kaori put the period on her perfect 2023-24 season by being named Skater of the Year at the annual Japan Skating Federation awards ceremony on Wednesday (24 April).

Sakamoto became 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.

The 24-year-old also secured her first Grand Prix Final in December in Beijing as well as her third successive title at the Japanese nationals.

Sakamoto’s triumph in Montreal last month was her seventh win in as many meets this season, and Wednesday’s honour was the cherry on the top of the cake.

“My goal for this season was to win both the World championships and the nationals for the third straight time, and I accomplished it,” Sakamoto said. “I’m really happy it was recognised.

“I managed to start the season strong and just kept going. Before the nationals I won the Grand Prix Final for the first time and went into the nationals on a high.”

Sakamoto said 2024-25 will be a crucial campaign with it being the penultimate season ahead of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

“I want next season to be something I can build on for the Olympics, more than about winning four in a row. That is where the weight of it will be.

“I can’t stress how important the season before the Olympics is. I have to work harder than ever and I need to sharpen up.”