Category: Winter Olympic Games Tickets Page 12 of 103

Kaori Sakamoto’s much-anticipated farewell season began in Osaka with both excitement and a touch of tension. The reigning Olympic champion and three-time World Champion stepped onto the ice at the ISU Challenger Series Kinoshita Group Cup 2025 for what she has confirmed will be the start of her last competitive campaign. Despite the roaring cheers of a home crowd eager to celebrate her legendary career, Sakamoto finished fourth in the short program, setting up an intriguing free skate and reminding fans that Winter Olympic figure skating’s margins are razor-thin — even for its brightest stars.

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A Farewell Tour Toward Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026

For Sakamoto, 2025–26 is more than just another season. It is her curtain call, a farewell tour leading into Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026, where she hopes to defend her Olympic title before hanging up her skates. Her decision to compete this year has been seen as a gift to fans, many of whom have watched her grow from a promising junior to Japan’s most decorated female singles skater.

Coming into Osaka, the narrative was clear: Sakamoto would be tested against a hungry field of skaters, including rising Japanese stars and international challengers, all eager to prove themselves at the Challenger Series level. The short program offered a glimpse into how she plans to approach her final year — with programs that showcase her artistry, skating power, and emotional range, but perhaps with a bit more careful pacing as she builds toward peak form later in the season. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: Lee Haein eyes Olympic Figure Skating stage as life’s ultimate happiness

A Mixed Short Program Performance

Sakamoto’s short program to “Libertango” was met with warm applause as she hit her opening triple flip cleanly. However, a slightly underrotated triple toe loop on the back end of her combination cost her valuable points. Her spins and step sequence were still world-class — receiving Level 4s across the board — but a stumble on the landing of the double Axel left her visibly frustrated as she exited the ice.

Her score of 68.42 was enough for fourth place, behind Japan’s Rinka Watanabe, South Korea’s Kim Chae-yeon, and Belgium’s Loena Hendrickx. Watanabe’s strong triple-triple combination and smooth execution allowed her to edge out the rest of the field, while Hendrickx’s trademark performance quality kept her in podium contention.

Sakamoto’s coach, Sonoko Nakano, remained optimistic, telling reporters afterward, This is the first step in a long season. We are focusing on pacing, building consistency, and ensuring she is ready for the Grand Prix Series and, most importantly, for the Olympics. There is no need to panic.

Winter Olympic 2026: Emotional Connection with the Crowd

The Osaka crowd responded with warmth and respect, rising to give Sakamoto a standing ovation despite the minor mistakes. For many, this was about more than scores or placements — it was a chance to honor a skater who has carried Japanese women’s Winter Olympic figure skating through one of its most successful eras. Fans waved flags and held up signs thanking her for her career, some already emotional at the thought of saying goodbye. Social media lit up with messages of support.

Building Toward the Grand Prix

The Challenger Series is often used as a tune-up event, and Sakamoto has made it clear that she is prioritizing health and endurance management this year. After an intense 2024–25 season that saw her capture her third World title, she took some time to recover before beginning training for this final campaign.

The next stop for Sakamoto will be the NHK Trophy, where the competition will be even deeper, with names like Lee Hae-in, Isabeau Levito, and Ava Marie Ziegler set to join the field. The Challenger Series result, while not ideal, may actually serve as motivation — a reminder that the path to Olympic glory is never easy.

Legacy in Japanese Winter Olympic Figure Skating

Kaori Sakamoto’s influence on Japanese Winter Olympic figure skating cannot be overstated. She has been the face of the sport for nearly a decade, winning back-to-back World titles in 2022 and 2023, then making history as the first Japanese woman to win three. Her consistency, powerful skating style, and resilience under pressure have inspired a new generation of skaters, many of whom are now entering the senior ranks.

Experts have noted that her choice to continue through Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 gives Japan a major boost heading into the Olympic year, where women’s singles is expected to be one of the most competitive events. Her leadership will be crucial not just for her own medal hopes but also in mentoring younger teammates who may be experiencing their first Olympics.

Winter Olympic 2026: Rivals Rise as Competition Heats Up

Sakamoto’s fourth-place finish also highlighted the strength of the field. Rinka Watanabe, who narrowly missed making the 2022 Olympic team, seems determined to cement her place as Sakamoto’s heir apparent. Her clean program earned her a season’s best score of 72.10 and put her in the driver’s seat for the free skate.

Meanwhile, Kim Chae-yeon continues to establish herself as South Korea’s next major star, following in the footsteps of Yuna Kim and You Young. Her triple Lutz-triple toe combination was one of the cleanest of the day, and her confident performance earned praise from commentators. Belgium’s Loena Hendrickx, known for her vibrant programs and competitive consistency, looked sharp as well, showing that she remains a podium threat for any competition she enters.

All Eyes on the Free Skate Showdown

With less than five points separating the top four skaters, the free skate promises to be a dramatic showdown. Sakamoto has historically been a strong free skater, capable of making up ground with her stamina and performance quality. A clean free skate could easily propel her onto the podium and even challenge for gold if others falter.

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Her free skate program, set to a cinematic medley, is designed to be a career retrospective — a celebration of her journey from junior champion to Olympic icon. Early reviews from practice sessions suggest it could be one of her most emotional performances yet, and fans will be eager to see it unveiled under competition lights.

Building Momentum for a Legendary Farewell

Even if Sakamoto does not win in Osaka, this event serves as an early building block in her season. Challenger Series competitions are about finding rhythm, testing technical content, and ironing out nerves before the Grand Prix season begins.

Her ability to handle the pressure of being the defending Olympic champion — while also embracing the reality of her final season — will be one of the key storylines leading up to Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026. If she can manage expectations and deliver her best skating when it counts, she could leave the sport as one of its all-time greats, joining names like Yuna Kim, Mao Asada, and Michelle Kwan in the pantheon of legends.

Winter Olympic 2026: More Than Medals Honoring a Legacy

Kaori Sakamoto’s fourth-place short program finish at the ISU CS Kinoshita Group Cup 2025 is far from a setback — it’s a reminder of the competitive fire that keeps Winter Olympic figure skating thrilling. As she continues her farewell season, each program will carry extra weight, not just as a competition but as part of her final artistic statement.

The Osaka audience, and fans around the world, will be watching closely as she takes the ice for the free skate. Win or lose, Sakamoto’s journey this season is about more than medals — it’s about honoring a career defined by strength, perseverance, and a love for skating that has inspired millions.

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Bradie Tennell is ready to take the ice with a clear sense of purpose. The two-time U.S. champion and 2018 Olympic bronze medalist opens her 2025–26 Winter Olympic figure skating season at the ISU Challenger Series Kinoshita Group Cup in Osaka, Japan. Her goal is clear — a steady and confident build-up toward Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026.

For Tennell, who has experienced both career highs and difficult setbacks, this season opener carries extra weight. It is more than just another event on the calendar — it is the first step in her Olympic journey. It is the first step in a carefully constructed road back to the Olympic Games.

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Winter Olympic Figure Skating Consistency Defines Tennell’s Legacy

Tennell’s reputation as one of the most consistent competitors in U.S. Winter Olympic figure skating history was cemented during her breakout 2017–18 season. After overcoming a series of stress fractures early in her career, she captured the U.S. national title in 2018, earning a spot on the PyeongChang Olympic team and helping secure a bronze medal in the team event. Her performances were not only technically sound but also delivered under immense pressure. She quickly became known for her ability to rise to the occasion.

“When I step onto the ice, I try to focus on one element at a time and block everything else out,” Tennell once said of her competition mindset. That mental fortitude has remained her trademark. It will be critical as she faces a younger, more technically ambitious field of competitors this season.You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: What It’s Like to Be on UC Berkeley’s Intercollegiate OlympicFigure Skating Team

A Comeback Built on Patience and Perseverance

Tennell’s journey has not been without setbacks. Following her 2021 U.S. title, she missed the entire 2021–22 season with a foot injury. The setback forced her to withdraw from her Grand Prix assignments and give up any hope of qualifying for the Beijing Olympics. For a skater so used to performing under pressure, sitting on the sidelines was a challenge. But it ultimately fueled her comeback.

By 2023, Tennell was back on competitive ice, showing flashes of her former self. She earned a top-ten finish at the World Championships in Saitama, Japan. After that, she continued building momentum with solid performances on the Grand Prix circuit. Each season since has shown her determination not just to return to her former level but to grow as a performer. “Being forced to step away gave me perspective,” she reflected in a recent interview. I learned patience, I learned to trust the process, and I rediscovered why I love this sport.

Season Opener in Osaka

The Challenger Series event in Osaka offers Tennell a chance to set the tone for her Olympic season. While not as prestigious as the Grand Prix, the competition provides valuable ISU World Standing points and an opportunity to test programs under competitive conditions.

Tennell’s planned programs for 2025–26 highlight her renewed focus on blending technical strength with artistic growth. Her short program, choreographed to an elegant classical piece, emphasizes clean skating skills and seamless transitions. Her free skate is built around a dramatic and emotionally charged theme designed to showcase her maturity as a performer.

Competing in Japan will also mean sharing the ice with some of the world’s best. That includes reigning World champion Sakamoto Kaori. The Japanese star has set the standard for consistency in recent seasons. Skating against her will give Tennell a valuable benchmark.

Battling for a Winter Olympic Spot on Team USA

Perhaps Tennell’s biggest challenge is not international rivals but domestic competition. Team USA’s women’s field is deeper than it has been in years, with rising stars like Isabeau Levito leading the next generation. Amber Glenn, Lindsay Thorngren, and Ava Marie Ziegler are all hungry to earn one of the three Olympic spots expected to be available for Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026.

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In such a competitive environment, Tennell’s experience could be her strongest asset. She has been through the pressure of Olympic trials, knows how to deliver under scrutiny, and has proven she can maintain composure when the stakes are highest. Her task now is to stay healthy, consistent, and technically competitive in an era where triple-Axels and quads are increasingly common.

Artistry Meets Athleticism

One of the most striking elements of Tennell’s recent seasons has been her growth in artistry. Long admired for her textbook technique and ability to skate clean programs, she has placed more emphasis on musical interpretation and program construction. This season, she has worked closely with her choreographers to develop programs that push her out of her comfort zone and challenge her to connect with audiences in a deeper way.

Judges have taken notice, with her component scores steadily improving. If she can maintain her trademark consistency on jumps while elevating the performance quality, Tennell could position herself as one of the most well-rounded skaters heading into Olympic selection.

Building Toward Winter Olympic Milano Cortina

Everything Tennell does this season will be part of a bigger picture. From Challenger Series events to the Grand Prix and U.S. Championships, the focus is on peaking at the right time. The U.S. Championships in early 2026 will serve as the unofficial Olympic trials, and Tennell knows that a strong, reliable body of work leading up to that event will give her the best shot at selection.

Her goals are realistic yet ambitious: secure international assignments, climb the world rankings, and deliver clean, commanding programs that remind judges and selectors of her ability to anchor a team. For Tennell, Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 is not just another Olympic Games — it’s a chance to write the next chapter in a career defined by perseverance.

A Quiet but Determined Road to Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026

Bradie Tennell’s story has always been one of quiet grit. She is not the loudest or flashiest skater, but she is one of the most reliable. In a sport that demands mental toughness and rewards consistency, she has built a reputation for both.

As she takes the ice in Osaka, Tennell will be thinking not just about the scores but about the bigger journey ahead. Every skate this season is a brick in the path she is laying toward Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026. And if history is any guide, Tennell will continue to meet challenges head-on — with determination, grace, and an unwavering belief in her ability to rise again.

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