The Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina witnessed a historic moment in figure skating, as Japan’s Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara secured the gold medal in the pairs event. Their victory, a testament to resilience and precision, marked Japan’s first-ever Olympic medal in pairs skating.
The journey to gold wasn’t without its challenges. The duo entered the free skate portion of the competition in fifth place after a difficult short program, where a mistake on a lift significantly impacted their score. Kihara, visibly disappointed after the short program, expressed his frustration, but coach Bruno Marcotte quickly refocused the team, repeatedly emphasizing, “It’s not over.”
Marcotte’s encouragement proved pivotal. Miura and Kihara delivered a flawless free skate performance set to music from the film “Gladiator,” earning a season’s best score of 158.13 points and a total score of 231.24. This performance not only secured the gold medal but also represented a dramatic comeback, turning a seven-point deficit into a nearly ten-point lead over their closest competitors.
“We still can’t believe that this has happened after yesterday’s performance,” Kihara said, reflecting the disbelief and joy of the moment. He added, through a translator, that winning a medal for Japan in pair skating for the first time was a deeply significant achievement, expressing hope that their performance would inspire future generations of Japanese skaters.
The competition wasn’t solely about Japan’s triumph. Georgia’s Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava also made history, claiming the silver medal and earning their nation’s first-ever Olympic medal in figure skating. Their free skate, performed to music by Jérôme Rebotier and Jonathan Roy, was described as “delightful,” though not without minor imperfections. They finished with an overall score of 221.75 points.
“It’s the best day in my life,” Berulava exclaimed after the event, highlighting the profound impact of their achievement for their country.
Germany’s Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin rounded out the podium, securing the bronze medal. Their performance, while strong, was marked by some initial errors on their side-by-side jumps, but they ultimately demonstrated resilience and skill to finish on the podium.
The 2026 Olympic pairs competition was notable for the challenges faced by many skaters, with several pairs experiencing falls or downgraded jumps. Some have attributed these difficulties to the ice conditions at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, which utilizes a new, more environmentally friendly system. This system, while innovative, is reportedly more sensitive to temperature and humidity, and sharing the venue with short track speed skating – where skaters prefer harder ice – may have contributed to inconsistencies.
Despite these challenges, Miura and Kihara’s performance stood out. Their jump combination – a triple toe loop, double axel, and double axel – earned high scores, and their overall skating skills were praised by the judges, receiving scores of 9.46, 9.32, and 9.46 out of a possible 10 for composition, presentation, and skating skills.
Prior to the final, Miura and Kihara had demonstrated their potential in the team event, achieving personal best scores in both segments and helping Japan secure a silver medal, mirroring their performance at the 2022 Winter Olympics. However, the short program at the individual event briefly threatened to derail their Olympic aspirations.
The dynamic between Miura and Kihara extends beyond their athletic partnership. Reports indicate a close and supportive relationship, with instances of playful interaction even during moments of high pressure. One account details Kihara being gently roused from a nap by Miura, a moment captured and shared widely on social media, endearing them to fans.
Following their victory, the pair participated in the exhibition gala, where Kihara playfully declared, “Today, I was the older brother!” This lighthearted moment showcased their camaraderie and the joy they found in their shared success.
The victory of Miura and Kihara is not only a triumph for Japanese figure skating but also a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and the ability to overcome adversity on the world’s biggest stage. Their performance has undoubtedly left a lasting legacy, inspiring skaters and fans alike.
