ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
2026
KAORI SAKAMOTO
JAPAN · FIGURE SKATING
Kaori Sakamoto is a four-time World Champion and four-time Olympic medalist — the first woman since Michelle Kwan to claim four world titles. She holds the world records for Program Component Scores in both the short program and free skate.Revered as a skater's skater, Kaori is celebrated for her explosive speed, deep edges, and extraordinary ice coverage. Having maintained elite status for over a decade, she has fundamentally reshaped the conversation around longevity in women's figure skating.Warm, candid, and brimming with energy, Kaori defies the familiar archetypes of women's skating: she is neither the fairy nor the femme fatale. Her big smile and unguarded emotions are as much a signature as her skating. Fun fact: Kaori is also the undisputed queen of the post-gala group selfie. (Photo: LINGE/Athletic Atelier)
AMBER GLENN
USA · FIGURE SKATING
Amber Glenn is a 2026 Olympic Gold Medalist. At age 26, she became the oldest woman to represent the United States in Olympic Figure Skating since 1928, as well as the first openly queer woman to represent the United States in Olympic singles figure skating. More remarkably, she is one of only two skaters to execute a triple Axel in both the women's short and free programs, achieving the highest grade of execution (GOE) of 2.40. Off-ice, Glenn is also a vocal advocate for mental health. Fun fact: Glenn received a video message of support from Madonna during the 2026 Olympics.
ELENA RYBAKINA
KAZAKHSTAN · TENNIS
Elena Rybakina defeated two-time Australian Open champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to win her first Australian Open title. The win lifted her back to world No. 3, the culmination of a steady rise from No. 13 over the past seven months. Off-court, she gives back to the next generation, including hosting a master class for kids in Almaty, Kazakhstan in September 2025. (Photo: Hameltion / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0)
2025
STAN WAWRINKA
SWITZERLAND · TENNIS
Stan Wawrinka announced that 2026 will be his last year on tour. The Swiss player has won 16 tour-level titles, including three major trophies—all against the Big Three—and rose to a career-high No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings. As The Guardian noted, 'There will never be another single-handed backhand like his, a vision of elegance and brutal violence.' (Photo: Carine06 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0)