Kaori Sakamoto Reflects on Russian Skaters and the Path to Competition
Japanese figure skater Kaori Sakamoto has been keeping an eye on the performances of Russian singles and eagerly awaiting their return to the international stage. This season, she has been mindful of the rising talent emerging from Russia, noting the strength and new faces that continually appear in junior and senior levels alike.
At the 2023 World Championships, held recently, Sakamoto clinched the gold with a total of 224.61 points. The silver medal went to South Korea’s Hae In Lee with 220.94 points, while the bronze belonged to Belgium’s Luna Hendrix, who finished with 210.42. These results highlighted a competitive field and set the stage for future conversations about the global order in ladies’ singles skating.
“I have followed Russian skaters this season as best as I could, though the schedule didn’t always allow me to watch every performance. I’ve noticed a lot of new, talented young skaters emerging from Russia, and that excitement is undeniable”, Sakamoto commented. She added that when Russian athletes are once again eligible to compete, it will serve as a strong motivation for her and push her to elevate her own training and performances.
To stay at the top alongside the strongest Russian competitors, Sakamoto implied that she will need to bring her very best every time she steps onto the ice. Her focus remains on constant improvement, sharp execution, and consistent effort, with the aim of contending for victories whenever opportunities arise.
For context, in late February 2022, the International Olympic Committee advised international sports federations to limit participation by domestic and Belarusian athletes, which led to suspensions of those athletes from various competitions by the International Skating Union. This decision has shaped the competitive landscape in figure skating and influenced how athletes plan their seasons and pursue titles on the world stage.
In related reflections about the World Championships, American skater Evan Bates addressed the absence of Russian athletes in the event and its impact on the competition. The discussion underscores how geopolitical actions can intersect with the sport’s competitive narratives and the way fans and athletes view their seasons overseas. This broader context remains a talking point as the skating world looks ahead to potential resumption of full participation by Russian competitors in future global events. (Source attribution: Spor.ru)