“Sakamoto once again confirmed his status at the World Championships in Montreal” – Leonova

Alena Leonova, silver medalist at the 2012 World Championships in women’s single skating, appreciated the performance of the Japanese Kaori Sakamoto at the 2024 World Cup in Montreal, Canada.

In total, Sakamoto received 222.96 points for two programs and became a three-time world champion. The second place was taken by the American Isabeau Levito (212.16), the top 3 was completed by the Korean Kim Chaeyoung (203.59).

— Judging by the short program, I wouldn’t say it comes at the right time and place. The short program wasn’t the cleanest and of course, kudos to her for preparing for the free program. In the end, she ended up in the place she deserves. I think she was the big favorite for this World Championship. She once again confirmed her status.

Sakamoto became the first figure skater in 56 years to win three world championships in a row? If our team had skated, one of our team members probably would have accomplished this feat. And here is a hopeless situation, we are in a stalemate, we cannot participate and, therefore, we cannot win. This is a question that does not depend on us,” Leonov quotes Championship.

Sakamoto is 23 years old and won silver and bronze at the Olympic Games.

Championship