logo
Figure skating-Japan's Sakamoto to retire after 2026 Winter Olympics

Figure skating-Japan's Sakamoto to retire after 2026 Winter Olympics

CNA20-06-2025
Three-times world figure skating champion Kaori Sakamoto is to retire after the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics next year, the Japanese 25-year-old told reporters in Kobe on Friday.
Sakamoto became the first woman in 56 years to win the figure skating world singles title three times in a row last year, matching the feat of American Peggy Fleming, who won three world titles between 1966-68.
"I feel like I have less than a year left. I'll be 29 at the following Olympics, which is out of the question," Kyodo news reported Sakamoto as saying. "I'll try to bring things to a close the year I turn 26."
Sakamoto, who won bronze at the 2022 Winter Olympics, missed out on a fourth straight world title in March when she finished runner-up to American Alysa Liu.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Hollywood executive Peter Rice named head of ceremonies for 2028 Olympics
Hollywood executive Peter Rice named head of ceremonies for 2028 Olympics

CNA

timean hour ago

  • CNA

Hollywood executive Peter Rice named head of ceremonies for 2028 Olympics

LOS ANGELES :Organisers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics have named TV and film executive Peter Rice as head of ceremonies and content, marking the first time a major Hollywood figure will oversee the creative production of the Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies. Rice, who has had senior leadership experience with 21st Century Fox and The Walt Disney Company, will serve as lead executive producer for both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Los Angeles. "Our ceremonies will capture the energy, innovation and creativity of Los Angeles as well as the emotion that exists at the heart of every Olympic Games," Rice told Reuters in an interview. "The challenge is to welcome the world in a way that's not only memorable, but truly representative of LA's unique spirit - a city that stands at the crossroads of creativity, sports, and art." The British American producer will shape the creative vision and oversee production of all four ceremonies at two iconic venues: the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the newly built SoFi Stadium. He said his experience with global sporting events like the Super Bowl, World Series, and FIFA World Cup has prepared him for the task, and emphasized that assembling a world-class production team was his top priority. "We need people with deep Olympic experience who can also tap into LA's creativity and energy," he said, adding that the selection of a production company is expected by year's end. LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman expressed enthusiasm for Rice's appointment, citing their 25-year friendship and Rice's unique blend of business, technical, financial and creative skills. "I knew he was our number one draft pick," Wasserman said. Rice, whose projects have earned 51 Academy Award and 293 Emmy nominations, hopes the ceremonies reflect Southern California's spirit of optimism. "It's a place where people go to pursue their dreams, and the Olympics are all about people's dreams," he said. The LA Games open on July 14, 2028, with the Paralympic Games following in August. It will be the first time Los Angeles has hosted a Paralympics.

Ireland's first female track-and-field Olympian Kyle dies at 96
Ireland's first female track-and-field Olympian Kyle dies at 96

Straits Times

time3 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Ireland's first female track-and-field Olympian Kyle dies at 96

Maeve Kyle, Ireland's first female track-and-field Olympian, has died at the age of 96, the Olympic Federation of Ireland said on Wednesday. Kyle, who also earned more than 50 caps for the Irish national hockey team, appeared in the Melbourne 1956 Olympics, competing in the 100m and 200m races, becoming the first Irishwoman to compete in the discipline at the Games. "She competed at three consecutive Olympic Games... at a time when women had to overcome huge prejudice and when opportunities in international athletics were extremely limited," the OFI said in a statement. Kyle reached the semi-finals in both 400m and 800m races at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. She won bronze in 400m at the European Indoor Athletics Championships two years later. "We have lost a legend of Irish Olympic sport who rose to the top despite huge challenges in 1950s Ireland. She was an inspiration to us all," said OFI President Lochlann Walsh. REUTERS

Qatar is showing interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Qatar is showing interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Independent Singapore

time5 hours ago

  • Independent Singapore

Qatar is showing interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Photo: Qatar has now shown its intention to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Recently, the country's Olympic committee announced that it is having 'ongoing discussions' with the International Olympic Committee on the issue. The QOC stated in a statement: 'This move underscores the State of Qatar's unwavering commitment to supporting the Olympic and Paralympic movements and its keen interest in playing an active role in the advancement of global sport.' Moreover, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the president of the QOC and chair of the bid committee, also declared: 'We currently have 95% of the required sports infrastructure in place to host the Games, and we have a comprehensive national plan to ensure 100% readiness of all facilities… This plan is rooted in a long-term vision aimed at building a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable legacy.' The president added: 'Our objective goes beyond simply organising a successful event, we aim to deliver a global experience that reinforces the values of inclusivity, sustainability, and international collaboration.' See also Twilight of a new era in global soccer business Qatar is not new to hosting international events. The country hosted the men's football World Cup in 2022. However, Qatar as hosts for the Olympic and Paralympic Games may face special considerations due to its weather conditions. Holding the Summer Games in the intense heat of the Middle East might be a challenge. A shift might be needed in the event's timeframe. For example, the 2022 World Cup took place in November and December instead of June and July as usual. 2026 Winter Olympics Updates Recently, the medals for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games were officially unveiled to the public in Venice, which is one of the host regions for the Games. Presented by Olympian Valentina Marchei, who leads the Ambassador Programme for Milano Cortina 2026, the design of the medals represents the coming together of Milan and Cortina, and celebrates the spirit of victory. Each medal is made of two halves joined by the Olympic and Paralympic values to represent the athlete's journey and honours everyone who stood by their side along the way. Raffaella Paniè, the Brand, Identity and Look of the Games Director for Milano Cortina 2026, declared that the medals embody 'the determination and passion of the world's greatest athletes, but also Olympic and Paralympic spirit.' The medals will be sustainable, made by the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS). The institute will be using recycled metal from their production waste and shape it in eco-friendly furnaces that work on renewable energy. Read more about the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic medals here. () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store