Kaori Icho

is a Japanese freestyle wrestler. She is a ten-time World Champion and four-time Olympic Champion, winning gold in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Icho was undefeated between 2003 and 2016. On 29 January 2016 at the Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin 2016 Icho lost to Pürevdorjiin Orkhon of Mongolia. This was her first loss after a long domination.

She is the first female in any sport to win individual-event gold at four consecutive Olympics. On October 20, 2016, she was awarded the People's Honour Award by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for her achievements, the second wrestler to receive the highest award, after Saori Yoshida in 2012. She is the younger sister of Chiharu Icho.

Controversy

On January 18, 2018, a formal complaint was filed with the Japanese Cabinet Office, accusing Japan Wrestling Federation development director Kazuhito Sakae (栄和人) of power abuse against Kaori after she left his coaching in 2009 and moved to Tokyo.

Specific alleged acts included ordering Icho’s new coach, Chikara Tanabe (田南部力) to stop coaching her; banning her from the Keishicho (Metropolitan Police) wrestling club where she trained; and prohibiting her from joining men’s training camps. Additionally, Sakae directed others to harass Tanabe when he refused to refused to stop coaching Icho, and excluded Icho from the 2010 Asian Games team despite her qualifications. It was reported that the Shigakkan University clique supported Sakae's ongoing harassment of Icho.

Championships and accomplishments Tokyo Sports Wrestling Special Award (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)