### Kaori Sakamoto Announces Retirement After 2026 Winter Olympics: A Figure Skating Legend Bids Farewell - Kaori Sakamoto, a prominent figure in the world of figure skating, has announced her retirement plans following the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. At just 25 years old, Sakamoto has made a significant impact on the sport, becoming the first woman in 56 years to win the world singles title three times consecutively. Her decision to retire stems from her belief that competing at the next Olympics at age 29 is not feasible for her career trajectory [https://www.reuters.com/en/japans-sakamoto-retire-after-2026-winter-olympics-2025-06-20][https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/figure-skating-japans-sakamoto-retire-after-2026-winter-olympics-5193711]. ### Breakdown of Sakamoto's Retirement Announcement 1. **Announcement Context**: Sakamoto revealed her retirement plans during a press conference in Kobe, Japan, emphasizing her age as a factor in her decision. 2. **Career Highlights**: She is celebrated for her remarkable achievements, including being a three-time world champion and a trailblazer in women's figure skating. 3. **Future Aspirations**: Post-retirement, Sakamoto has not disclosed specific plans but hinted at a desire to explore new opportunities outside competitive skating. ### Supporting Evidence of Sakamoto's Achievements - **World Championships**: - Three-time champion (2021, 2022, 2023) - First woman to achieve three consecutive titles in 56 years - **Age Consideration**: - Current age: 25 - Age at next Olympics: 29, which she considers too old for competitive figure skating [https://www.espn.co.uk/olympics/figureskating/story/_/id/45549618/3-world-champion-kaori-sakamoto-retire-2026-games][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3464864-kaori-sakamoto-bids-farewell-to-figure-skating-after-milano-cortina-olympics]. ### Conclusion: Sakamoto's Legacy and Future 1. **Significant Impact**: Sakamoto's retirement marks the end of an era in figure skating, where she has set new standards for excellence. 2. **Career Reflection**: Her decision reflects a thoughtful consideration of her future in the sport and life beyond competitive skating. 3. **Final Competition**: The 2026 Winter Olympics will serve as her final stage, where she aims to leave a lasting impression on fans and fellow athletes alike. In summary, **Kaori Sakamoto's retirement after the 2026 Winter Olympics signifies not only the conclusion of her competitive career but also the legacy she leaves behind in the world of figure skating** [https://sg.news.yahoo.com/why-three-time-world-champion-085127959.html].