Kaori Sakamoto made history at the World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal on Friday, becoming the first woman to secure three consecutive world titles since American legend Peggy Fleming achieved the feat in 1968.
The 22-year-old Japanese skater delivered a stellar free skate, earning a total score of 222.96 points. Her performance capped off an undefeated season, following victories at the ISU Grand Prix Final and the Japanese National Championships in December last year.
“I’m overjoyed to have achieved this milestone,” Sakamoto said after her win. “It has been a challenging season, but the support from everyone has kept me going.”
The podium was rounded out by two rising stars in the figure skating world. Seventeen-year-old Isabeau Levito of the United States clinched the silver medal, marking her first senior world championship medal. South Korea’s Kim Chae-yeon, also 17, impressed the judges to take home the bronze in just her second appearance at the World Championships.
Belgium’s Loena Hendrickx, who led after the short program on Wednesday, stumbled during her free skate, dropping her to fourth place. Despite the setback, Hendrickx remained optimistic about her performance this season.
For Sakamoto, this victory not only cements her status as one of the sport’s elite but also inspires a new generation of skaters across Asia. Her historic achievement shines a spotlight on the growing prominence of Asian athletes in figure skating, a sport traditionally dominated by North American and European competitors.
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Sakamoto claims three-peat in World Figure Skating Championships
cgtn.com
