They Skate Like They’re in Love — But After Winning Japan’s First Olympic Pairs Gold in Milan with a Career-Best 231.24, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara Are Still Insisting They’re Only Teammates, Leaving Fans Wondering Whether Their Unmistakable Chemistry on the Ice Is Purely Professional or Something No One Is Saying Out Loud
Are Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara Dating?
lympic figure skating couple Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara are garnering attention at the 2026 Olympics in Milan, Italy, for their emotions both on and off the ice. Watching these two on the ice begs the question, are Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara dating or married?
The duo stepped onto the ice at the Winter Olympics on Sunday, February 15, and continued in their pursuit of a gold medal on Monday, February 16. They snagged the gold medal on Monday, and that, of course, has drawn even more attention to them.
So, the question at hand is, “Are Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara dating or a couple?” As of the 2026 Olympics, they aren’t in a romantic relationship.
According to an article for Town and Country published on February 9, Rachel King states that “they appear to be just working partners.”
“The two-time World Champions from Japan have been skating together since 2019 and are the favorites for Olympic gold in Milan,” King states in the feature. “Both their technical skills and passionate artistry on ice have charmed the judges and audiences alike.”
Former pairs skater Bruce Marcotte said in 2023 of the pair, according to King, “Technically, they’re extremely fast, and there’s so many things they have—but what really sets them apart is the lightning that happens when they skate together.”
So, for now, these two are supportive teammates and not in a romantic relationship, according to the report.
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara Are Bringing a Gold Medal Back to Japan
So, Miura and Kihara are gold medal winners at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Going into the competition, they felt healthy and ready for the challenged.
“Right now, I’m practicing with no concerns whatsoever,” Miura said on February 2, ahead of the competition, according to the official Olympics website.
“I feel like my shoulder has never felt stronger in my entire life since I was hurt,” she added. “We’ve been through a lot in the last seven years, including injuries, and I feel like I’m in the best shape ever. I feel like we’ve grown like we never have. I can’t wait for competition to start.”
This couple made history, too, as the two hold Japan’s first Olympic gold in pairs skating. They came from behind, too. “The two-time defending world champions, whose uncharacteristic slip on a lift the previous night had left them playing catch-up, scored 158.13 points for their free skate,” The Winchester Star states in a feature published after the win. “That gave Miura and Kihara a career-best 231.24 points and their long-sought gold medal to go with the silver they helped the Japanese team win last week.”
The publication adds that, “They were flawless on a triple toe-double axel-double axel sequence to start their program, set to music from the ‘Gladiator’ films, while Miura landed with grace and elegance on their throw triple loop.”
So, is this pair a couple in real life or only in a professional relationship? Let’s get into their relationship.
