The Japanese Olympic team returned home after winning a record 24 medals at the Milano-Cortina Winter Games, with gold medalist pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara expressing gratitude for the support that helped them achieve historic success. Here’s a translation of their comments.

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 When Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi stepped onto Olympic ice, the weight of doubt was heavy. The short program left them in 5th. The podium

On the February 24th, the Japanese Olympic team, which won a record 24 medals at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, returned to Japan. A press conference was held in Tokyo, attended by 15 medalists.

Kihara said, “There were moments at the Olympics when I felt like giving up, but thanks to the support of so many people, I was able to keep going with my partner Riku until the very end.” Miura expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much for all the support. We made a big mistake in the short program, but by believing in what we’ve worked on, we were able to win gold in the individual event and silver in the team event.”

In Photos: Japan's Miura, Kihara win pairs figure skating gold at Milan Cortina Olympics［写真特集1/12］- 毎日新聞

In the Olympics, a mistake in the short program lift left them in fifth place. Kihara spent the night in tears, but the younger Miura comforted and encouraged him, leading to a world record free skate and a dramatic comeback for the gold medal. Kihara expressed his gratitude for Miura’s support, saying, “Usually, I’m the big brother, but this made me realize once again that this is the bond we’ve built over seven years. It was Miura’s strong spirit that pulled me back to being my strong self.”

Before their free skate, Miura wrote a message on Kihara’s food storage bag: “We’ll definitely be okay. We can absolutely do it.” Kihara shared that finding this message while packing before returning home almost made him cry again.

Regarding the short program mistake, Kihara joked, “If I could talk to the Olympic ‘demons,’ I’d say, ‘Not now, please!’” making everyone laugh.

At the previous day’s press conference upon returning to Japan, Kihara was asked what he wanted to do now and revealed, “I haven’t had much free time, so I’d like to travel across America in a camper van.” This surprised the other medalists.

Asked for more details, he smiled and said, “The season I’d most like to go is from spring to summer. I had planned to cross America with my junior high school classmates, but it would take about a week, and it’s hard to find the time…” He also said he invited Miura, but she laughed and declined, saying, “I’d just end up sleeping the whole time, so I’ll pass.” Beside him, Miura shyly added, “I want to travel within Japan.” She mentioned they have a one-night, two-day trip planned and smiled, “I’m looking forward to it.”

At the end of the conference, the moderator asked directly about their relationship, saying, “You almost seem like a married comedy duo. What’s the real answer for Rikuryu?” The two looked at each other and replied, “It’s beyond that,” “Comrades-in-arms?” Miura commented, “It’s natural to be together. We’ve become like family.” Both smiled and said, “We’ll leave the rest to your imagination.”

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The pair were asked how they envision themselves in four years. Kihara honestly replied, “We’ve been so busy since it ended that I haven’t even had time to reflect on myself. We haven’t talked about it together either. Honestly, I really don’t know.” Beside him, Miura declared, “I’m not sure yet, but one thing is certain: when Kihara retires, I’ll retire too. I will absolutely never continue with a different partner.”

During the press conference, they also revealed their desire to become pair coaches together.

Kihara, who has always hoped for the growth of pair skating, was asked about nurturing the next generation to make Japan a powerhouse in the discipline. He replied, “We haven’t had a proper discussion yet, and we haven’t had much time to think about it, so I don’t know the details. Until now, there were risks of injury, so we couldn’t do it, but I want to help with tryouts as much as possible. Our goal is to become pair coaches together in Japan in the future. I have no idea when or at what timing that will be.”

Miura, who said she is “helped by Kihara’s advice,” added, “I’m grateful to be able to have these kinds of conversations with Kihara. We’re also envisioning coaching together in the future.” Kihara noted, “Miura understands the women’s side better. I want us to coach together,” suggesting that their partnership will continue even as coaches.