Japanese figure skater Kaori Sakamoto expressed mixed emotions after winning a silver medal at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, aware of her growth as an athlete despite her disappointment with not achieving a perfect performance.
During the Women's Free program at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which took place on the 19th, Kaori Sakamoto of Japan won a silver medal, marking a historic milestone as she became the first female Japanese figure skater to secure medals in two consecutive Olympic Games. Despite her success, Sakamoto felt a poignant sense of regret about not performing to her full potential, stating that the frustration of not achieving 100% of her capabilities was deeply felt, even as she celebrated her silver medal.
In her post-performance interview, Sakamoto shared her emotional struggle, particularly after shedding tears while speaking with her coach, Nakano. The weight of not achieving what she described as a 'perfect' performance contributed to her feelings of sorrow over the missed opportunity for gold. Nonetheless, she reflected on her journey and the growth she has experienced over the past four years, considering this silver medal a testament to her hard work and resilience.
Looking back at the Olympics, Sakamoto expressed gratitude for the electrifying atmosphere and the support she received from fans both on-site and remotely. She recognized the tremendous energy she gained from competing in various categories, which fueled her throughout the games. Although she still felt profound introspection about her performance, Sakamoto noted that achieving her pre-set goals of winning silver or above in both the team and individual events gave her a sense of fulfillment, leading her to appreciate her journey and the support from her fans.
