What was the key to Miura and Kihara's success?
Their ability to overcome a poor short program and deliver a stunning free skate, combined with excellent coaching and choreography.
Sports / Olympics
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara of Japan have captured the gold medal in pairs figure skating at the Milan Olympics, overcoming a disappointing short program to deliver a stunning free skate performance. This marks a historic first for Japan...
Miura and Kihara's journey to gold was marked by resilience. After a mistake in the short program's lift element, they found themselves in fifth place. However, their free skate was near-perfect, showcasing strong throws and solid landings. Their triple toe loop, double axel, and double axel combination earned high marks, and their speed and artistry impressed the judges.
The win is a testament to their training with Canadian coach Bruno Marcotte and choreographer Marie-France Dubreuil. Marcotte recognized Miura's talent and fearlessness, while Dubreuil helped craft a winning program. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role, allowing the pair to bond and improve their chemistry.
This victory not only signifies a personal triumph for Miura and Kihara but also elevates Japan's status in pairs skating. It paves the way for future generations of Japanese skaters to strive for excellence on the world stage.
Other teams faced challenges, including Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps of Canada, who competed despite Stellato-Dudek's head injury. Americans Emily Chan and Spencer Akira Howe delivered a season-best score, carrying the hopes of their skating club which had suffered a tragic loss in 2025.
Their ability to overcome a poor short program and deliver a stunning free skate, combined with excellent coaching and choreography.
It's Japan's first Olympic medal in pairs skating, marking a historic moment for the country's figure skating program.
It created opportunities for other nations, like Japan and Georgia, to reach the podium.
Do you think this win will inspire more Japanese skaters to pursue pairs skating? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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