In a stunning display of athletic prowess and grace, Kaori Sakamoto of Japan etched her name into the annals of figure skating history, becoming the first woman to three-peat as world champion since the legendary Peggy Fleming in the late 1960s. Sakamoto’s victory at the Bell Centre in Montreal was nothing short of a masterclass in the art of figure skating, as she soared from fourth to first with a near-flawless free skate that captivated the 6,000 fans in attendance.
Sakamoto’s journey to the top of the podium was marked by a remarkable comeback, overcoming a fourth-place standing after the short program to clinch gold with a total score of 222.96 points. Her free skate, punctuated by a triple flip-triple toe loop combination, earned her a standing ovation and the highest segment score of 149.67.
The 23-year-old’s performance was a testament to her mental fortitude and technical skill. ‘I was a little nervous after placing fourth in the short program, but the feeling of tension was positive and I was able to concentrate one step at a time,’ Sakamoto reflected. ‘I’m happy with the result and will keep doing my best.’
This season has been nothing short of spectacular for Sakamoto, who has dominated the international circuit with victories in every competition she entered, including a maiden Grand Prix Final win and her third consecutive Japanese national championship.
The silver medal was claimed by the United States’ Isabeau Levito, the 2022 world junior champion, who finished with 212.16 points. Levito’s performance was a remarkable rebound from her season’s earlier struggles, and her shock and joy were palpable as she completed her free skate.
South Korea’s Chaeyeon Kim rounded out the podium with a bronze, scoring 203.59 points. Kim’s ascent to the world stage has been meteoric, with a season that included a Grand Prix medal and a silver at the Four Continents.
Belgium’s Loena Hendrickx, who led after the short program, experienced a heartbreak as she missed her rotation on a double lutz, triple-toe loop combination and fell on a triple flip, ultimately finishing fourth.
As the women’s competition concluded, the focus shifted to the ice dance and men’s events. Defending ice dance champions and Olympic gold medalists Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States led the rhythm dance with a season-best score.
The World Figure Skating Championships continue to be a showcase of the sport’s finest athletes, even as the absence of Russian competitors, banned due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine, is felt.
Sakamoto’s historic achievement is a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating the heights of excellence that can be reached through dedication and resilience. Her three-peat is a feat that will be remembered for generations to come, a shining example of the spirit of competition and the beauty of figure skating.
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