Japan strengthened its position in the figure skating team event at the Winter Olympics as Kaori Sakamoto delivered a commanding performance to finish first in the ladies’ singles final on Sunday, 9 February 2026. Competing at Milano Cortina 2026, Sakamoto scored 148.62 points, providing Japan with a major boost in the cumulative team standings.
The ladies’ singles final marked a pivotal segment of the team competition, where individual performances directly contribute to overall national rankings. With several teams closely matched, execution quality and component scores carried heightened importance.
Sakamoto Leads Japan with Authority
Kaori Sakamoto’s skate was characterised by speed, control, and consistency across technical elements. Her program featured secure jumps, clean step sequences, and strong presentation, allowing her to separate from the field and claim top spot. The 148.62-point score reflected both high technical value and strong program component marks, reinforcing Sakamoto’s reputation as one of the most reliable performers in women’s figure skating.
Her result placed Japan in a strong position within the team event, complementing the nation’s success in other disciplines.
Georgia and United States Remain in Contention
Georgia continued its impressive team event showing through Anastasia Gubanova, who finished second with 140.17 points. Gubanova’s performance was marked by confident jump execution and fluid skating, securing valuable points for Georgia and keeping the team firmly in medal contention.
The United States placed third, with Amber Glenn scoring 138.62 points. Glenn delivered a composed routine under pressure, maintaining consistency across elements and ensuring the American team remained competitive in the overall standings.
Italy and Canada Complete the Field
Italy’s Lara Naki Gutmann finished fourth with 126.94 points, skating in front of home support. Her performance contributed important points for the host nation as Italy aimed to stay within reach of the podium in the team event.
Canada followed in fifth place, with Madeline Schizas scoring 125.00 points. Schizas delivered a steady program that avoided major errors, providing Canada with a solid contribution despite missing out on a higher placement.
Importance Within the Team Event Structure
The Olympic figure skating team event aggregates results from men’s singles, women’s singles, pair skating, and ice dance. As a result, the ladies’ singles final often plays a decisive role in shaping medal trajectories, particularly when teams are separated by narrow margins.
Small differences in jump quality, spin levels, and program components proved influential in this segment, underlining the importance of consistency and composure in a team-based Olympic format.
Broader Implications for the Medal Race
Japan’s first-place finish in ladies’ singles further reinforced its status as a leading contender for the team event medals. Georgia’s second-place result sustained its challenge, while the United States’ third-place finish kept them firmly in the hunt.
For Italy and Canada, the results highlighted the competitive balance within the team event, where strong performances in remaining disciplines would still be crucial to final medal outcomes.
Conclusion
The ladies’ singles final on 9 February 2026 proved a defining moment in the figure skating team event at the Winter Olympics 2026. With Kaori Sakamoto leading the field for Japan, the segment delivered high technical standards and tight competition, further intensifying the race for team medals as the event moved toward its conclusion.