Kaori Sakamoto, competing in her final season, delivered a nearly flawless performance in the women's singles short program at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, finishing in second place with a score of 37.15 points for her performance composition—the highest among all competitors. With a smile and clenched fists at the finish, Sakamoto expressed immense satisfaction with her performance, emphasizing her enjoyment while skating and her desire to recognize her achievements. Despite a few jumps that she acknowledged needed improvement, she received significant positive scores for her presentation and technical elements.

Sakamoto's performance was choreographed by her mentor, Benoit Richaud, who advised her during a challenging time after the Pyeongchang Olympics, emphasizing that perfection in other elements is key to success. By focusing on magnificent skating and maintaining the flow of her program, Sakamoto showcased her talent in a way that earned her valuable grades of execution (GOE). As she enters the free skate segment of the competition, she stands 1.48 points behind the leading skater, Nakai, and remains focused on her goal of capturing the elusive gold medal—an achievement that has eluded her in her previous Olympic attempts.

This Olympic appearance is Sakamoto's third, and her commitment to excellence and resilience throughout her career sets her on a path to potentially fulfilling her dreams. As she aims for gold, her inspiring journey serves as a testament to her hard work and dedication in the sport of figure skating, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide.