Kaori Sakamoto achieves historic 'three-peat' at World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal

BySportsbeat

Updated 23/03/2024 at 13:43 GMT

Japan's Kaori Sakamoto achieved a historic third gold medal at the World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal. The 23-year-old became the first female figure skater for 56 years to earn a third successive world title. American Isabeau Levito finished with silver at her first senior World Championships, while South Korea's Kim Chaey-eon rounded off the podium.

‘I’ve got goosegumps!’ – Sakamoto defends title with stunning display

Kaori Sakamoto became the first female figure skater for 56 years to win three consecutive World Championship golds with a dazzling display in Montreal.

The 23-year-old Japanese star was sitting in fourth after the short programme but shone in Friday evening's free skate, finishing more than 10 points clear of the chasing pack.

That took her overall score to 222.96, ensuring she replicated the American legend Peggy Fleming in achieving a 'three-peat'.

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Sakamoto delivers superb routine to top short program

23/03/2022 at 18:25

"I was in a really good place emotionally," Sakamoto said.

"I was able to calm down. I was able to keep focused and do my elements one after the other and I am happy with this result."

Isabeau Levito claimed silver on 212.96 points in her first senior World Championships, with Kim Chaey-eon rounding off the podium with 203.59 points.

Great Britain's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are fourth going into this Saturday evening's conclusion of the ice dance, just under two points off the podium places following the rhythm dance.

Reigning champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates lead the way following their Queen-inspired routine which earned them 90.08 points.

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