Lausanne, Switzerland, March 9, 2026: The International Skating Union has included three Asian athletes among their “Trailblazers and Legends: Leading Women in ISU Sports” to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.
They are Kaori Sakamoto (figure skating, Japan), Han Mei (speed skating, China) and Kim Gil-li (short track, Korea).
“Women competing in Figure Skating, Short Track, Speed Skating and Synchronized Skating have shaped and popularized their sport,” the ISU says.
“As trailblazers and legends, they have proven that there is no such thing as an impossible dream. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we highlight female athletes in ISU Sports that are having major impact as athletes and role models.”
*Kaori Sakamoto: The three-time World Champion and four-time Olympic medalist is one of Japan’s most successful female skaters. Sakamoto is a role model for a whole generation of young skaters from all over the world. Her performance skills and technical ability, her longevity, her success, her outgoing personality and her sportsmanship make her one of the most popular women in her sport.
*Han Mei: Consistency, teamwork and quiet determination define Han Mei’s journey in Speed Skating. A key member of China’s women’s long track team, Han has established herself as a reliable force in middle- and long-distance events as well as in the Team Pursuit. Competing at the highest level on the ISU events and on the Olympic stage, she represents the strength of China’s growing women’s program in Speed Skating. Her perseverance and steady rise in international competition make her a role model for young athletes, showing that dedication and teamwork are just as powerful as individual glory.
*Kim Gil-li: She is young and she is fast. Competing in her first Olympic Games in Milan, Kim “Lambor-Gil-li” skated to two gold (one in the Relay) and one bronze medal. Kim, 21, is on her way to becoming one of the biggest Short Track stars from Korea, setting an example for many young women in her sport.
