Why three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto will retire after the 2026 Winter Olympics

TOKYO (AP) — Kaori Sakamoto, the three-time figure skating world champion, will retire after next year's 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, she said Friday.
The 25-year-old Japanese star won an Olympic bronze medal in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and took the silver medal in the world championships in March with gold to
American Alysa Liu
.
Sakamoto acknowledged that age is catching up with her.
'I feel like I have less than a year left,' the Japanese news agency Kyodo quoted her as saying in Kobe, Japan. 'I'll be 29 at the following Olympics (in 2030), which is out of the question. I'll try to bring things to a close the year I turn 26.'
___
AP sports:
https://apnews.com/hub/sports

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Yahoo

26 minutes ago

• Yahoo

London City Lionesses make statement signing of Daniëlle van de Donk

Daniëlle van de Donk in action for Netherlands against Scotland earlier this month. The former Arsenal midfielder is returning to the WSL with London City Lionesses. Daniëlle van de Donk in action for Netherlands against Scotland earlier this month. The former Arsenal midfielder is returning to the WSL with London City Lionesses. Photograph: Marcel van Dorst/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock London City Lionesses have made a statement of intent following promotion to the Women's Super League by completing the signing of Netherlands midfielder Daniëlle van de Donk. The independently-run club, who will play in the WSL for the first time next season after winning the Women's Championship title in May, have acquired the 33-year-old on a free transfer from record eight-time European champions Lyon, recently renamed as OL Lyonnes, following the conclusion of her contract. OL Lyonnes are, like London City Lionesses, owned by the American businesswoman, Michele Kang. Advertisement Related: Hannah Hampton aims to live up to Mary Earps's legacy as England No 1 Van de Donk won the WSL title winner with Arsenal in 2019 and was also part of the Netherlands squad that won the 2017 Women's European Championship and reached the final of the 2019 World Cup. She has signed a two-year contract with London City, who have made no secret of their ambitions to disrupt the established big-name of women's football in England. 'I'm feeling really good,' said Van de Donk, who is London City's first signing of the transfer window. 'It's such a nice environment to be in, the club really appeals to me, it reminds me of a little family, and I want to be a part of it. The project that London City have, it's different but in a good way. London City have to battle for everything and that's my style.' News of Van de Donk's return to the WSL came as the Football Association formally approved the expansion of the division from 12 to 14 clubs from the 2026-27 season.

USA Today

31 minutes ago

• USA Today

LeBron James on whether he will play in 2028 Summer Olympics

LeBron James on whether he will play in 2028 Summer Olympics During the first decade of his NBA career, LeBron James became a regular member of Team USA men's basketball. He represented the United States in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics, and he also participated in the 2006 FIBA World Championship (now known as the FIBA World Cup). He won the gold in 2008 and 2012, although Team USA only came away with a bronze medal in 2004, something James is criticized for to this day. After the United States failed to medal in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, James, along with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and other veteran NBA superstars, quickly volunteered to compete in the 2024 Olympics. Thanks to their help, Team USA regained the gold. There are some who have been wondering if James, who is 40 years of age, may wear the red, white and blue once again in 2028 when the Summer Olympics take place in Los Angeles. But he told Hollywood Reporter that it probably won't happen. 'Nothing has changed. Where we at, man, 2025 right now? (Laughs) Nah, nothing has changed. I mean, if I had to look at it right now through a microscope, I would say that, me being able to support Team USA for the rest of my life — that's for sure. But me actually going on and playing, I don't see it happening. 'I've given everything that I have, and I will always be appreciative and loyal and dedicated to Team USA and USA Basketball.' In all, James has won three Olympic gold medals. The record for men's basketball is held by Durant, who also took part in the 2016 Summer Games, as well as the subsequent Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Hamilton Spectator

32 minutes ago

• Hamilton Spectator

World Curling tightens sweeping rules, bans firmer broom foams ahead of Olympics

PERTH - World Curling has tightened its sweeping equipment rules heading into the Olympic season. The move, announced Friday, follows concern over firmer broom foams that many players said gave sweepers too much control. Several high-profile models — including some from Goldline, BalancePlus and Hardline — are now banned. Only brushes with less-firm foam are approved for competition, effective immediately. World Curling said the decision followed extensive consultation with players, manufacturers and ice experts, as well as a sweep-testing exercise at the Morris Curling Club in Manitoba. Officials say it's a first step, with long-term reviews and equipment standards still in development. With the new regulations, the BalancePlus RS with Firm 2.0 foam, Goldline Impact with Evader or Pursuer foam, Hardline Ice Pad with Competitive foam, and SmartBroom by Curling Tools with current foam are no longer approved for play. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2025.