From locker room breakdown to golden triumph, Japan’s figure skating sweethearts revealed the secret behind their explosive return

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara hold up their medals during a press conference on February 25, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Ikue Mio)Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who won Japan’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in pairs figure skating at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, held a press conference on February 25 at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.Affectionately known in Japan as “Rikuryu,” the pair looked back on their sensational comeback after placing fifth in the short program. Kihara expressed his gratitude to Miura, saying, “She helped me regain a strong state of mind.”

Seven Years of Trust

After fumbling a lift element in the short program, Kihara admitted that “a comeback seemed almost impossible.” Even on the morning of the free skate the next day, he could not stop crying. What lifted his spirits was a message Miura had written on the container of the stick-on moxibustion patches they share: “We’ve got this.”

Encouraged by those words, Kihara washed his face in the restroom, told Miura, “I’m OK now,” and headed into the free skate. There, the duo delivered a stunning performance that earned a world-record pairs score of 158.13 points, securing the gold medal.

Reflecting on the moment, Kihara said, “This shows the bond we’ve built over seven years.” Miura nodded in agreement and added, “What matters most is how you reset and move forward. That mistake helped us grow tremendously.”

A Hero’s Welcome Home

They also said they were surprised by the warm welcome they received at the airport upon returning to Japan. “I couldn’t believe it was real,” Kihara said. “If Urashima Taro existed, this might be how he felt.” (Urashima Taro is a folktale hero who returns home after visiting an undersea palace, only to find many years have passed.)

As for whether they will aim for the next Olympics four years from now, both said the decision remains undecided. Miura was firm, however: “When Kihara retires, I’ll retire too. I would never continue skating with a different partner.” Looking ahead, the pair said they hope to become coaches and help strengthen pairs skating in Japan.

When asked about the nature of their relationship, Kihara replied, “Comrades in battle?” Miura followed with, “It goes beyond that — more like family.”The two then smiled and said in unison, “We’ll leave that to your imagination,” bringing the press conference to a close.