Japan wins its first-ever Olympic pairs skating gold
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Japan has scooped its first-ever Olympic gold medal for pairs figure skating. Ice skater Riku Miura and her partner Ryuichi Kihara dazzled a highly appreciative crowd on their way to placing first in the pairs free skate competition. Their outstanding and dynamic performance also set a world record. After the first round, the pair were a fair way down the field of contenders for gold. They knew they would have to pull out all the stops to have any chance of getting a medal. And they did that with aplomb. Their routine was a stunning display of athleticism, daring, speed, and technique. The spectators at the Milano Ice Skating Arena gave the duo a standing ovation to thunderous applause.
The couple seemed shell-shocked after leaving the ice to speak to waiting reporters. An out-of-breath Mr Kihara exclaimed: "We were determined to nail it." He added: "It's still unbelievable. I never thought we could win gold today, so it feels incredibly good." The couple first teamed up in 2019. Ms Miura said: "We have had so many experiences over the past seven years and we have grown a lot, so I think that is the reason why we managed to triumph and win the gold medal." Their coach, Bruno Marcotte, showered them with praise. 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."
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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