Japanese figure skater Sakamoto Kaori concluded her Olympic career at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games with two silver medals [1].
Sakamoto's performance marks the end of a high-profile tenure in international figure skating. Her ability to maintain podium consistency across different Olympic formats underscores her standing as one of the era's premier athletes.
The skater earned her two silver medals in the team event and the women's singles competition [1], [2]. This achievement serves as the final chapter of her Olympic journey in Italy [3].
For her final free skate, Sakamoto performed a tribute to the iconic French composer Édith Piaf [4]. The routine featured a medley of three classic songs: "La Vie en Rose," "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien," and "Hymne à l’amour" [4].
The choice of a Piaf medley was a deliberate artistic decision to honor the composer's legacy [4]. By blending these specific pieces, Sakamoto aimed to bring a distinct emotional resonance to her final competitive appearance on the world stage.
Sakamoto's career has been defined by technical precision and artistic expression. The 2026 Games provided a venue for her to synthesize these elements one last time before retiring from Olympic competition [1].
“Sakamoto Kaori concluded her Olympic career at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games with two silver medals.”
Sakamoto's transition out of Olympic competition leaves a void in the Japanese skating program, which has relied on her consistency for podium finishes. Her decision to use a French medley for her final performance highlights the increasing emphasis on artistic storytelling and cultural tribute in the free skate segment of modern figure skating.
