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Amber Glenn protects Kaori Sakamoto during emotional breakdown at Milan-Cortina 2026

The Japanese medalist's emotions ran high after the women's figure skating final.

Kaori Sakamoto broke down in front of the cameras, and Amber Glenn stepped in.
Kaori Sakamoto broke down in front of the cameras, and Amber Glenn stepped in.LAPRESSE
  • RAÍZ
Updated

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games have been a whirlwind of emotions, and Kaori Sakamoto knows that better than anyone. After finishing second in the women's figure skating final, the Japanese athlete experienced a moment of vulnerability in front of the cameras. Fortunately, Amber Glenn was there to comfort her.

After nearly 20 years in the sport, Sakamoto had decided to retire following Milan-Cortina 2026. Her dream was to do so with a gold medal around her neck.

Initially, everything seemed to be going according to plan. She placed second in the short program and only needed a flawless free skate to secure gold.

But fate had other plans. Two crucial mistakes in her final routine dropped Sakamoto to second place, behind American Alysa Liu.

Glenn protects Sakamoto from cameras

Sakamoto left the ice in tears and was immediately consoled by Liu. Later, as her emotions overwhelmed her, she broke down crying again.

At that moment, Glenn stepped in. When a cameraman moved in too close to capture the scene, Glenn positioned herself between Sakamoto and the lens, even placing her hands in front of the camera. She said something to the cameraman, though it was inaudible.

A video of the incident quickly spread across social media. An account believed to belong to Glenn commented: "I know it's their job, but they'll get all up in your business when you clearly need space. It's wild."

Sakamoto's career without Olympic gold

Kaori Sakamoto remains one of Japan's most decorated figure skaters. Yet among her 26 medals, an Olympic gold is missing.

  • Competition | Gold | Silver | Bronze
  • Olympic Games | 0 | 3 | 1
  • World Championships | 3 | 1 | 0
  • Four Continents Championships | 1 | 0 | 0
  • rand Prix Final | 1 | 0 | 2
  • Japan Championships | 6 | 2 | 0
  • World Team Trophy | 0 | 2 | 2
  • World Junior Championships | 0 | 0 | 1
  • Junior Grand Prix Final | 0 | 0 | 1

Although her career didn't end exactly as she had hoped, Sakamoto leaves the Olympic stage with a silver medal and a powerful moment of sportsmanship shared with Glenn.

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