Sakurai triumph in Paris came after winning three consecutive world titles, at 55kg in 2021 and back-to-back golds at 57kg in 2022 and 2023. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Thank you for your continued support. I have decided to separate my career in wrestling for almost 21 years and retire. So far I have been able to break into wrestling in a blessed environment with the support of so many people.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
And I was able to fulfil my dream of winning gold in the Olympics. Thanks to all of you for your support. Thank you,\" Sakurai posted on Instagram.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Thank you very much for your continued guidance and support, even when the results were hard to produce. I've had a lot of experiences through wrestling. Looking back, there have been a lot of pain, but I am glad I continued wrestling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"This is a decision I made after talking, worrying, and thinking about it with so many people over the past year. From now on, I want to start a classroom in Kochi Wrestling Club, Konan City, and do my best to spread and strengthen wrestling,\" the post read.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Thank you very much for your continued guidance and support, even when the results were hard to produce. I've had a lot of experiences through wrestling. Looking back, there have been a lot of pain, but I am glad I continued wrestling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She bounced back five months later for her crowning achievement in Paris, where she defeated 2016 Rio Olympic champion Helen MAROULIS (USA) 10-4 in the semifinals, then took the gold with a 6-0 victory over Anastasia NICHITA (MDA) in a rematch of the 2023 world final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n