Japan has won its first Olympic gold medal for pairs figure skating. Figure skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara wowed a very supportive crowd. They were first in the pairs free skate competition. Their dynamic performance set a world record. After the first round, the pair did not look like getting a medal. They knew they would have to do something magical to get a medal. And they did that. Their routine was an amazing display of athleticism, speed, and technique. The spectators at the Milano Ice Skating Arena gave the pair a standing ovation.
The couple seemed shocked after winning. An out-of-breath Mr Kihara told reporters: "We were determined to nail it." He added: "It's still unbelievable. I never thought we could win gold today." The couple first skated together in 2019. Ms Miura said: "We have had so many experiences…and 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. Their connection really came through, and it was just pure magic."
Try the same news story at these levels:
Figure Skating - Level 0, Figure Skating - Level 1 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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