The Japan Times - Sakamoto wants 'no regrets' as gold beckons in Olympic finale

Sakamoto delivered an emotional free skate to Edith Piaf's "Non, je ne regrette rien" to pull Japan ahead of the USA in the team event on Sunday, but ultimately Ilia Malinin secured the gold for the Americans.

The 25-year-old from Kobe will retire after the Olympics.

She has won three world titles, an Olympic individual bronze medal, and now two Winter Games team titles.

Just a gold is missing from her collection.

"Although I did have a few misses here and there, misses with the jumps as well, seeing that I scored No.1 in the women's category was a big deal, and I felt really emotional," she told journalists.

"Also the fact that Team Japan came up to the top, as well, has been a relief, as well as just a very good feeling.

"In my eyes, everybody has done a gold-medal performance, and so it really doesn't matter what colour medal we get."

The women's competition gets underway on February 17 with the short programme and concludes with the free skate two days later.

Among her rivals are two Americans -- world champion Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn -- both of whom Sakamoto outclassed in the short programme and free skate respectively in the team event.

Ice dancer Masaya Morita said her presence would be sorely missed when she retires.

"Kaori is a brilliant skater, and it's not just about results, she has had so many achievements throughout her career," he said.

"She's great when it comes to building up the atmosphere of Team Japan. She's always at the centre of the team, encouraging everyone.

"I don't want her to retire, but this is a decision that she made, so all we can do is to celebrate her final performance with her."

S.Suzuki--JT