Evgenia Medvedeva, a two-time world champion in the discipline, spoke with warmth about Kaori Sakamoto’s victory at the 2023 World Figure Skating Championships. Medvedeva, reflecting on the results, highlighted not only the technical prowess displayed by the champion but also the distinctive artistry that characterized Sakamoto’s performances throughout the event. The former champion emphasized that Sakamoto’s programs, while rooted in Japanese tradition, carried a unique sensibility that set them apart. Medvedeva pointed out that Sakamoto’s skating was marked by a gentle, pastel glow on the ice, a sense of cleanliness in line, and an elegance that felt almost sculpted in slow motion. He also noted Sakamoto’s personal style, including a short haircut and a fearless approach to jumps, where each element is executed with a deliberate and confident grip. Overall, Medvedeva conveyed genuine admiration, expressing belief that Sakamoto earned the win through a combination of grace, precision, and a performance presence that resonated with judges and audiences alike. The sentiment was shared publicly during a conference session that focused on insights from contemporary skaters and coaches, underscoring the evolving landscape of women’s figure skating as it continues to blend technical rigor with expressive storytelling.
On March 24, 2023, Sakamoto clinched the world title with a total score of 224.61, a result that reflected a comprehensive display of consistency, technical execution, and artistic interpretation. The runner-up slot went to Korea’s Hae In Lee, who finished with 220.94, and immediately following in bronze position was Belgian skater Luna Hendrix, who accumulated 210.42 points. The podium arrangement highlighted a breadth of styles and national approaches to program design, reinforcing the global nature of the sport and its appeal to diverse audiences. Sakamoto’s victory also marked a continuation of her reign as world champion, as she had previously secured the title at the 2022 World Championships, demonstrating a sustained level of peak performance across multiple seasons. Observers noted the broad technical content of Sakamoto’s program, including the difficulty of jump sequences, as well as the nuanced choreography and musical interpretation that connected with the judges on each component of the scoring system.
Beyond the competition itself, the championship’s narrative included discussions about the broader trajectory of the sport and the role of athletes from different regions in the international arena. In particular, attention was drawn to the discussions around Russian athletes and their participation in global events, as part of ongoing conversations about eligibility, safety, and competitive opportunities. The comments from prominent coaches and officials at the event reflected a shared interest in preserving the integrity of competition while recognizing the achievements of skaters from every country. The dialogue underscored the ongoing effort to balance rigorous anti-doping and eligibility standards with the athletes’ right to compete on the world stage, ensuring that the sport remains open and inclusive while maintaining high ethical benchmarks. These conversations, amplified by media coverage and official statements, contributed to a broader understanding of how international figure skating navigates geopolitical realities while continuing to celebrate athletic excellence and artistic achievement. The focus remained on fair play, the quality of performances, and the pursuit of excellence that keeps audiences engaged across continents, including North America, where fans closely follow both the technical progression of skaters and the evolving creative trends that shape modern programs. (Source attribution: International Skating Union and event organizers)”} {