Amber Glenn Shields Kaori Sakamoto During Heartfelt Moment At Milan-Cortina 2026

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games have been nothing short of a rollercoaster of emotions, and no one felt the highs and lows more intensely than Kaori Sakamoto. The celebrated Japanese figure skater faced a heart-wrenching moment after finishing second in the women's figure skating final, and it was fellow skater Amber Glenn who came to her emotional rescue.

With nearly two decades of dedication to figure skating, Sakamoto had set her sights on retiring with a golden flourish at these Games. She was tantalizingly close, having secured a second-place finish in the short program and needing just a flawless free skate to clinch the gold. However, fate had different plans, as two pivotal mistakes in her final routine led her to a silver finish, just behind American sensation Alysa Liu.

Glenn Steps in as Sakamoto's Guardian Angel

As Sakamoto left the ice, tears streaming down her face, she was comforted by Liu. Yet, the emotional toll proved too heavy, and she broke down once more. It was then that Amber Glenn heroically intervened. Spotting a cameraman getting a bit too close for comfort, Glenn boldly positioned herself between Sakamoto and the camera, even using her hands to shield the vulnerable skater from invasive filming. Though her words to the cameraman weren't captured on audio, her actions spoke volumes.

"I know it's their job, but they'll get all up in your business when you clearly need space. It's wild," read a comment from an account believed to belong to Glenn, encapsulating the sentiments of many who witnessed the poignant scene unfold on social media.

Sakamoto's Illustrious Career Sans Olympic Gold

Despite the absence of an Olympic gold, Kaori Sakamoto's illustrious career is adorned with an array of medals that speak to her talent and tenacity. Among her impressive collection of 26 medals, she boasts three Olympic silvers and a bronze, alongside multiple accolades from World Championships and other prestigious events.

Sakamoto’s journey may not have concluded with the golden dream she envisioned, but she departs the Olympic stage with her head held high, showcasing a touching moment of sportsmanship and camaraderie with Glenn that will be remembered far beyond her medal count.