Kaori Sakamoto leads after short program at figure skating worlds PRAGUE — Kaori Sakamoto is aiming to end her competitive career with a world figure skating title, securing her place at the top of the standings after the short program at the World Championships. The Japanese skater, known for her emotional performances, delivered a powerful interpretation of "Time to Say Goodbye," earning a season-best score of 79.31. This placed her in first place, just shy of a full point ahead of her compatriot Mone Chiba, who scored 78.45 in her disco-themed routine. Sakamoto’s achievement carries extra significance as this marks her final world championships. The event is held in the Czech Republic, where she began her Junior Grand Prix career 13 years ago. Reflecting on the milestone, she expressed pride in the full-circle moment, calling it a "good feeling to have." The competition remains highly competitive, with a strong U.S. challenge for medals ahead of the free skate. Amber Glenn, the reigning Olympic team gold medalist, sits in third place with 72.65, while Isabeau Levito follows closely at fourth with 72.16. Levito’s performance marks a return to form after finishing 12th at the Olympics. Ami Nakai, who led the Olympic short program with a triple axel, struggled in the current event. The 17-year-old Japanese skater managed only an awkward double jump as her opening move, leaving her in eighth place and facing a difficult recovery. In the pairs competition, Germany’s Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin hold a narrow lead over Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava of Georgia. The German duo, who previously won European and Olympic titles, edged their rivals with a score of 79.78 to 79.45. Canadians Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud are third with 75.52, setting the stage for Thursday’s free skate.#world_championships #kaori_sakamoto #mone_chiba #prague #amber_glenn
Karalis rises to second behind Duplantis on pole vault listGreek athlete Emmanouil Karalis took bronze in the Paris Olympics and silver in the 2025 indoor and outdoor world championships - all of which Armand Duplantis won. Greek athlete Emmanouil Karalis took bronze in the Paris Olympics and silver in the 2025 indoor and outdoor world championships - all of which Armand Duplantis won. #Paris_Olympics #world_championships #Armand_Duplantis #Emmanouil_Karalis #Duplantis_won #athlete_Emmanouil #outdoor_world #Karalis_rises #pole_vault #vault_listGreek
IOC: Sports leaders reach consensus on new gender policyIt would be the first uniform policy adopted by the IOC and international sports federations, applying to major events in dozens of sports, including the Games and world championships. Currently, federations have their own rules which can vary. It would be the first uniform policy adopted by the IOC and international sports federations, applying to major events in dozens of sports, including the Games and world championships. Currently, federations have their own rules which can vary. #Sports #uniform_policy #major_events #world_championships #leaders_reach #reach_consensus #gender_policyIt #sports_federations #international_sports #IOC
