In one of the most thrilling Olympic competitions of the week, the women’s free skate final was won by USA’s Alysa Liu. Liu entered the day in third place behind Japanese skaters Ami Nakai and Kaori Sakamoto, who was widely viewed as the favorite to take gold.
However, Liu delivered when it mattered most, finishing with a total score of 226.79 to secure the gold medal. Sakamoto earned silver with a 224.90, while 17-year-old Nakai captured bronze with a score of 219.16.
For Sakamoto, the result was bittersweet. The three-time world champion recently revealed her intention to retire at the end of the season, and following her silver-medal performance, she confirmed that decision at age 25.
After the skate, Kaori Sakamoto shared that her coach told her it was now time to “raise a gold medalist” — a nod to her future beyond competition. She added that while a return to the Olympic stage remains possible, it would likely come in a new role as a coach rather than as a competitor.
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Sakamoto made it clear that her goal was to slow down and fully take in each moment as it unfolded.
“Since this is my last Olympics, I wanted to take in every single moment with my own eyes,” Sakamoto added. “I was able to cheer for the men and the pairs as well. I just hoped that, even if only a little, Team Japan could spend this time feeling positive. I’m glad that feeling came across.”
Sakamoto will have the opportunity to go out on a high note Saturday after being announced as a participant in the Olympic gala.
While the exhibition does not carry any medal implications, it allows skaters to focus more on the choreography and artistry of their programs, emphasizing emotion over scoring.
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