Sara Takanashi, a prominent figure in women's ski jumping, reflected on her emotional journey during the recent Winter Olympics held in Milan-Cortina, where she participated in the newly introduced women's individual large hill event. Looking back at her experience, Takanashi shared that her tears were filled with gratitude, starkly contrasting her struggles four years ago when she faced challenges that almost led her to consider retirement from the sport. The addition of the large hill event to the Olympics highlighted the progress of women's ski jumping, and Takanashi aimed to honor the pioneers of the sport by striving for a medal.

Despite her efforts, Takanashi finished in 16th place after battling against strong winds, marking her worst performance in Olympic history. She expressed deep disappointment at not being able to showcase her growth as an athlete, especially after overcoming past hurdles, including a disqualification due to a suit violation at the Beijing Olympics. Takanashi's reflective sentiments revealed her appreciation for the support of fans, teammates, and predecessors who have contributed to her journey in the sport.

Looking forward, Takanashi, who contributed to Japan’s first bronze medal in mixed team jumping during the same Olympics, expressed a desire to regain her competitive edge and contribute further to the Japanese team. As she faces the future, Takanashi underscored her commitment to improving and coming back even stronger, demonstrating her resilience and dedication to the sport she loves as they prepare for the next Olympic Games in 2026.