Sports | Japan's Miura and Kihara Win Historic Olympic Figure Skating Gold
Senior Technology Correspondent · AI, startups & MeitY policy
Quick summary
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara secured Japan's first-ever Olympic figure skating pairs gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on . Their historic win, achieved with a world-record free skate score, also saw Japan equal its all-time Winter Olympics medal tally of 18, according to reports.
LEDE PARAGRAPH
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara secured Japan's historic first-ever Olympic figure skating pairs gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on , according to official reports from the event.
MATCH RESULT / KEY DETAILS
The Japanese duo, who were reigning world champions, delivered a career-best free skate, achieving a world-record score of 158.13 points in their free skate program. This performance led to a total score of 231.24 points, securing them the top spot on the podium.
KEY MOMENTS
Miura and Kihara, despite being in fifth place after the short program due to a mistake on a lift element, staged a remarkable comeback in the free skate. Their powerful and flawless routine, skated to music from "Gladiator," earned them the only standing ovation of the evening from the crowd at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. They were the only medalists to avoid a negative grade of execution on their elements.
STANDOUT PERFORMERS
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara were the standout performers, delivering a world-record free skate that catapulted them from fifth to first place. Their performance was highlighted by big triple jumps and throws, impressive lifts, and spins.
REACTION
Post-event reactions from the athletes highlighted their disbelief and gratitude. Kihara admitted he thought it was over after the short program, but the team's support helped him bounce back. Miura stated her pride in their ability to recover from the earlier mistake. Their coach, Bruno Marcotte, also expressed confidence in the pair's ability to overcome challenges.
CONTEXT / STANDINGS
This gold medal marks Japan's first-ever Olympic title in pairs figure skating. The achievement contributed to Japan's total medal tally at the Milan-Cortina Games reaching 18, thereby equaling its all-time Winter Olympics record set in 2022. This is Japan's fourth Olympic figure skating gold, following Shizuka Arakawa in 2006 and Yuzuru Hanyu in 2014 and 2018.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara secured Japan's first Olympic figure skating pairs gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
- The Japanese duo achieved a world-record free skate score of 158.13 points during their gold-medal performance.
- Their victory contributed to Japan equaling its all-time Winter Olympics medal tally of 18.
- Miura and Kihara staged a significant comeback after finishing fifth in the short program.
PEOPLE ALSO ASK
Q: Who won Japan's first Olympic figure skating pairs gold?
A: Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara secured Japan's historic first Olympic figure skating pairs gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on .
Q: What record did Miura and Kihara break at the Milan-Cortina Olympics?
A: Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara achieved a world-record free skate score of 158.13 points during their gold medal-winning performance at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Q: How many Winter Olympic medals does Japan now have after this win?
A: With Miura and Kihara's gold medal, Japan has now equaled its all-time Winter Olympics medal tally, reaching a total of 18 medals.
Q: Where did Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara win their gold medal?
A: Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara won their historic figure skating pairs gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, held at the Milano Ice Skating Arena.