Japan has won its first Olympic gold medal for pairs figure skating. Figure skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara were first in the pairs free skate competition. Their performance set a world record. After the first round, the pair did not look like getting a medal. They knew they would need some magic. Their routine was an amazing display of speed and technique. The crowd at the ice skating arena gave the pair a standing ovation.
The couple were shocked after winning. An out-of-breath Mr Kihara told reporters: "We were determined to nail it." He added: "I never thought we could win gold today." The couple first skated together in 2019. Ms Miura said: "We have grown a lot, so I think that is the reason why we managed to win the gold medal." Their coach praised them. He said: "I think today they were able to create magic. They skated with their heart."
Try the same news story at these levels:
Figure Skating - Level 0, Figure Skating - Level 2 or Figure Skating - Level 3
Sources- https://www.japantimes.co.jp/olympics/2026/02/17/miura-kihara-gold-pairs/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolineprice/2026/02/16/olympic-pairs-figure-skating-results-miura-and-kihara-break-world-record-for-historic-gold/
- https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/how-riku-miura-and-ryuichi-kihara-pulled-tear-filled-comeback-win-olympic-gold
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