Naoko Sakamoto (runner)

Naoko Sakamoto (坂本 直子, born November 23, 1980, in Hyogo Prefecture) is a retired Japanese long-distance runner who specialized in the marathon. She is best known for winning the bronze medal at the 2003 World Championships in Athletics held in Paris, France, with a time of 2:25:33. Sakamoto also represented Japan in the marathon at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, where she finished seventh.

Sakamoto had a successful career in marathon running, consistently placing well in major international races. Her personal best time in the marathon is 2:21:51, achieved at the 2003 Osaka International Ladies Marathon.

After retiring from competitive running, Sakamoto has remained involved in the sport, often appearing as a commentator and analyst for marathon events in Japan.