Riku & Ryu Win Gold: Historic Figure Skating Pairs Free Skate Record
- Milan, Italy – February 16, 2026 – Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara of Japan have secured the gold medal in pairs figure skating at the Winter Olympics in...
- The pair’s exceptional performance came during the team event at the Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026.
- Miura, born on December 17, 2001, and Kihara have been skating together since 2019.
Milan, Italy – – Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara of Japan have secured the gold medal in pairs figure skating at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, delivering a performance that set a new world record for a free skate. This victory marks a historic moment for Japan, representing their first-ever Olympic gold medal in the pairs discipline.
The pair’s exceptional performance came during the team event at the Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026. Skating last, Miura and Kihara, the reigning world champions of and , delivered under pressure, earning a significant 10 points for Team Japan. Their success builds on a strong foundation of international achievements, including two Four Continents championships ( and ) and two Grand Prix Final championships.
Miura, born on , and Kihara have been skating together since . Prior to partnering with Kihara, Miura skated with Shoya Ichihashi from to . They are coached by Bruno Marcotte and Meagan Duhamel, and skate out of the Kinoshita Group skating club.
This Olympic win follows a silver medal in the team event at the Winter Olympics in Beijing. The Japanese pair also previously earned silver medals at the World Championships in and . Their consistent performance on the world stage culminated in this historic gold medal victory.
The pair’s journey to the top has been marked by dedication and a focus on refining their technique. Reports indicate that a key element of their success was their ability to mentally reset and perform at their best when it mattered most. This mental fortitude, combined with their technical skill, proved to be a winning combination.
Japan’s overall performance at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics has been strong, with the nation now having secured a total of 18 medals, tying their previous record for the most medals won at a Winter Games. This success across multiple disciplines highlights the growing strength of Japanese winter sports athletes.
Miura and Kihara’s achievement is not only a triumph for Japanese figure skating but also a testament to their years of hard work and commitment. Their world record-breaking free skate demonstrated their exceptional skill and artistry, solidifying their place as leaders in the sport. They have consistently demonstrated excellence, earning medals at numerous international competitions, including the World Championships in and , and the Grand Prix Final in – and –.
Their success is also a reflection of the quality of coaching they have received from Bruno Marcotte and Meagan Duhamel. Marcotte, known as “Rikuryu’s” coach, has expressed Olympic hopes for the pair, and their victory validates his dedication and expertise.
The pair’s accomplishments extend to national competitions as well, having secured the Japanese national championships title in – and –. This consistent success at both the national and international levels underscores their dominance in the sport.
Riku Miura stands at 1.46 meters (4 feet 9 inches) tall. She originally hails from Takarazuka, Hyōgo, Japan, but now makes her home in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Her dedication to the sport, combined with Kihara’s skill and their collaborative spirit, has propelled them to the pinnacle of figure skating success.