The World Figure Skating Championships 2025, held in Boston, Massachusetts, kicked off on March 25, 2025, with the women’s short program (SP) commencing a day later. The event has drawn attention not just for the thrilling performances but also for the fierce competition among the athletes, particularly from Japan.
Among the competitors is Kaori Sakamoto, a seasoned skater who is gunning for her fourth consecutive title. However, her performance in the SP left her in fifth place with a score of 71.03 points. This was a surprising start for the reigning champion, who skated fifth out of 33 competitors. Sakamoto opened her routine with a double axel and followed with a successful triple Lutz, earning positive grades of execution (GOE) for her jumps. Yet, she faltered during a critical moment in the second half of her program, where a planned triple flip-toe loop combination turned into a double flip, costing her valuable points.
Leading the competition after the short program was Alissa Riu from the United States, who scored 74.58 points. Chiba Hyakuna, representing Japan, finished a close second with 73.44 points. Although Chiba’s opening triple Lutz-toe loop combination was deemed under-rotated, she managed to complete the rest of her routine without major errors, putting her just 1.14 points behind Riu. Wakaba Higuchi followed Chiba closely, finishing fourth with 72.10 points, trailing Izabo Leveto, another American competitor, by just 1.23 points.
The women’s free skating (FS) event is scheduled for March 27, 2025, and promises to be an exciting showdown as athletes aim to improve their standings. The stakes are high, especially for Sakamoto, who hopes to bounce back and reclaim her title.
The championships are being held at the TD Garden in Boston, with the event running from March 25 to March 30, 2025. Due to the 13-hour time difference between Boston and Japan, fans back home are eagerly awaiting updates and live broadcasts of the competitions. The women’s singles free skating will take place from 07:00 to 10:52 on March 29, followed by the awards ceremony at 10:57.
In addition to the competitive spirit, the event has drawn significant media attention, partly due to the presence of top skaters like Sakamoto, who is not only a favorite to win but also a key figure in the promotion of figure skating in Japan. As the competition unfolds, many are looking to see if she can overcome her initial setback and deliver a stunning performance in the free skate.
For those unable to attend, the championships are being broadcasted on various platforms. Fuji TV will air the women’s free skating on March 30 from 19:00 to 21:48, while BS Fuji and J SPORTS 4 will provide additional coverage in the following weeks.
As the championships progress, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on the Japanese contingent, which boasts a strong lineup including Chiba, Higuchi, and Sakamoto. Each athlete has a unique style and approach to the sport, contributing to the rich tapestry of competitive figure skating.
With the free skating event approaching, anticipation is building not just for the outcomes but for the performances themselves. Each skater will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, artistry, and resilience on a world stage, a dream for many athletes.
The competition format allows for a thrilling display of talent, where each skater's performance is judged on technical merit and artistic impression. The combination of these two aspects makes figure skating a captivating sport, drawing viewers into the emotional narratives that unfold on the ice.
As the world watches, the question remains: can Sakamoto recover from her rocky start and secure her place as a champion once again? Or will a new star rise to take her title? This year’s championships promise to deliver not just stunning athleticism but also the drama and excitement that figure skating fans have come to love.
In the days leading up to the finals, skaters will continue to refine their routines and prepare for the pressures of competition. The atmosphere in Boston is electric, with fans, families, and supporters rallying behind their favorite athletes. The culmination of hard work, dedication, and passion will soon be on full display.
As the event unfolds, the spotlight will shine brightly on the athletes, revealing not just their skills but their stories of perseverance and ambition. The 2025 World Figure Skating Championships are set to be a memorable chapter in the rich history of this beloved sport.
