world

Milano Cortina, Italy – Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara of Japan delivered a stunning performance on February 16, 2026, capturing the gold medal in pairs figure skating at the Winter Olympics. Their victory, secured with a world-record-breaking free skate, marked a historic first for Japan in the event and was a testament to resilience after a challenging start to the competition. The pair, affectionately known as “Rikuryu,” overcame a fifth-place finish in the short program to claim the top spot on the podium.

The triumph was particularly poignant given Kihara’s near departure from the sport years prior. Their journey, a blend of perseverance and a serendipitous encounter, underscores the unpredictable nature of athletic success. The duo’s free skate score of 158.13 points not only set a new world record but also propelled them past Georgia’s Anastasia Metelkina and Luka Berulava, who finished with the silver medal. Their total score of 231.24 sealed their place in Olympic history, according to reports from the Games.

The emotional weight of the moment was palpable as Kihara, 33, openly wept on the ice, supported by his partner Miura, 24. The victory wasn’t simply about athletic achievement; it was a culmination of a remarkable comeback story, fueled by unwavering support and a renewed sense of purpose.

From Rink Employee to Olympic Champion

Just seven years ago, Kihara was contemplating leaving competitive skating altogether. A two-time Olympian, having competed in Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018, he was grappling with the physical toll of a shoulder injury and concussions. In the spring of 2019, his partnership with Miu Suzaki dissolved, leading him back to his hometown of Aichi Prefecture and a part-time job at Howa Sports and Culture, the rink where he first honed his skills.

Yusuke Iioka, 34, who worked alongside Kihara at the rink, recalled his initial impression of the former Olympian. “It seemed as if he felt a sense of inferiority for having only ever done skating,” Iioka said. Kihara’s duties were humble: handing out rental skates, monitoring the ice, and working the night shift at the lodging facility. He earned the same hourly wage as university students, a stark contrast to the life of an elite athlete. Despite his past achievements, he was treated like any other employee, a humbling experience that, ironically, proved beneficial.

“He was able to talk with them without any pretense,” Iioka remembered, describing how Kihara interacted with the younger skaters. “During that troubled time, he wasn’t alone.”

A Chance Encounter Changes Everything

In June 2019, Kihara was asked by Yoshiko Kobayashi, 70, a director with the Japan Skating Federation, to assist at a pairs tryout at Chukyo University. He agreed, offering his assist for a day. As he was leaving, Kobayashi encouraged him to consider his next steps. It was then that coach Bruno Marcotte, 51, approached him with a proposition.

“Ryuichi, put on your skates,” Marcotte called out. “Why don’t you try skating with Riku for just an hour?” Marcotte, a Canadian coach with a long history of developing Japanese pairs skaters, was looking for a partner for Miura, whose previous partnership had ended. Kihara agreed, and on the ice, a pivotal moment occurred during a twist lift. When Kihara launched Miura, her ascent was so powerful that Marcotte exclaimed, “Oh my God!” The federation officials watching were stunned.

“What we have is what it feels like to be struck by lightning,” Kihara later recalled. Marcotte believed he had rediscovered his passion for the sport that day.

Watch: Miura and Kihara’s stunning free skate performance at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

From World Champions to Olympic Gold

In August of that year, the partnership between Kihara and Miura was officially announced. They moved to Canada to train with Marcotte, and their ascent to the top of the figure skating world began. They quickly established themselves as a dominant force, achieving a groundbreaking seventh-place finish at the 2022 Beijing Olympics – the best result for a Japanese pair at the time – and followed it up with World Championship titles in both 2023 and 2025.

Despite their success, the short program at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games presented a setback. A rare mistake on a lift left them in fifth place, a position Kihara openly expressed his disappointment over. However, Miura remained resolute, urging them to reset and refocus. “We made a mistake today, so we have to reset. If we believe One can do it, we can,” she said, turning to Kihara for encouragement.

Their response was nothing short of spectacular. On February 16, they delivered a flawless free skate, executing each element with precision and power. The arena erupted with applause as they completed their routine, culminating in a new world record score of 158.13 points. Their total score of 231.24 was enough to secure the gold medal and make history for Japan, as reported by NBC Olympics.

“To be able to recover from yesterday’s mistake and show the strength we’ve built up all this time, that’s what makes me the happiest,” Miura said after their victory. Kihara, reflecting on his journey, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete again: “I’m so glad I didn’t give up.”

The victory for Miura and Kihara signals a new era for Japanese pairs skating. Their success is likely to inspire a new generation of athletes and further elevate the sport’s profile in the country. As they glance ahead, the pair will undoubtedly be focused on maintaining their dominance and continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in pairs figure skating.

What are your thoughts on this incredible comeback story? Share your comments below and help spread the word about this historic achievement!