Kaori Sakamoto, Japan’s Olympic bronze medalist and 3-time World champ, made headlines after a skating dispute at the World Championships.
At the Milano Cortina Games, athletes' skate blades were chipped by the rough, abrasive podium surface during medal ceremonies. Japan filed a protest, and organizers plan to replace the surface and offer blade-sharpening services. The incident affected multiple medal-winning teams, prompting safety and fairness concerns.
Hase and Volodin scored 80.01 points with a strong performance, including triple twists and a throw triple loop, leading the men's figure skating competition. Other competitors, including Georgia's Metelkina and Berulava, and Canada's Pereira and Michaud, follow closely. Japan's reigning champions face setbacks after a major mistake.