World Figure Skating Championships 2026: Kaori Sakamoto Makes History With Fourth Title

Kaori Sakamoto has carved her name in history by winning her fourth Women’s World Figure Skating Championships title on March 27, 2026. 

The 25-year-old phenomenon won her World Figure Skating Championships title in ladies’ singles at the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. 

Sakamoto performed flawlessly in her free skate, earning a personal best of 238.28, surpassing her fellow Japanese competitor Mone Chiba by a margin of 9.81 points.

The audience was able to witness her farewell ceremony from professional figure skating after winning silver medals at the Olympics. 

This achievement by Sakamoto is the first time a female singles competitor has won four titles since Michelle Kwan won her fifth title in 2003.

World Figure Skating Championships 2026: Kaori Sakamoto Makes History With Fourth Title

Kaori Sakamoto ended her illustrious career with a masterful performance that wowed the audience at the O2 Arena in Prague. She was awarded 238.28 points, the highest of the Olympic cycle, after a heartwarming skate to emotional music. 

Kaori became the first woman since Michelle Kwan to claim four golds at the worlds. She cemented herself as the greatest figure skater from Japan. 

Chiba took the silver, while Nina Pinzarrone of Belgium surprised everyone by taking the bronze.

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World Figure Skating Champion Kaori Sakamoto's Path to Glory

Sakamoto first made a name for herself as a teen in 2018 by winning Olympic spots early. She took bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, but then ruled the worlds from 2022-2024 with three consecutive titles. 

Silver medals at the 2025 worlds and 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics reignited the fire within her for one last run. She was consistent and artistic, making many around her cry during this farewell event.

American Skaters' World Figure Skating Champion Effort

US hopefuls competed for medals but encountered obstacles in their free skates. Levito finished fourth after a strong short program but was let down by under-rotated jumps. 

Amber Glenn slipped from third to sixth after a strong short program, again struggling with the Olympic Lutz, causing visible frustration for the skater.

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Sakamoto's legacy lives on for aspiring young skaters across the globe as she retires on top of her sport, creating a path for the next generation of Japanese skating stars.