Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara: “We definitely didn’t think we would be able to make it this far with the injuries we had at the beginning of the season, so we’re really grateful for that.”
Interview with Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara about their performance at the World Team Trophy and past season.
source: hochi.news dd. 21 April 2023
How did you feel after completing the free program at the World Team Trophy?
Riku Miura: Well, you know, I had my peak at the World Championships, and it was really difficult to improve from there. I definitely wanted to land the salchow and the throw loop, which I missed at the World Championships, so even though there were three big mistakes in a row, I think it was a testament to our growth that we were able to successfully execute all the other elements.
Ryuichi Kihara: Yes, well, it was difficult to adjust, but I think I was able to deliver a relatively good performance today, so that’s good.
Looking back on this season
Riku Miura: Well, I definitely didn’t think I would be able to make it this far with the injuries I had, so I’m really grateful for that. There were a lot of mistakes and tough moments in competitions, but I’m really glad we were able to make it through the season like this.
Ryuichi Kihara: Yeah, it was a difficult start to the season, so I didn’t think we could make it this far. But I’m glad we were able to complete this season.
Looking ahead to next season
Riku Miura: Our goal was to do well both the SP and FP and to exceed 145 points in the FP. So, if we had landed the triple toe loop this time, we would have gotten around 10 points. (We didn’t land it) so next season, we’ll work hard to put everything together and exceed 145 points.
About the jump combination
Riku Miura: Well, my physical condition wasn’t really bad, so I think it was just a matter of timing.
Were able to switch quickly?
Riku Miura: I was really disappointed with my Salchow and a fall on the throw loop at the World Championships, I didn’t want to lose to that version of myself again. So, I felt like I had to jump no matter what. I think I was able to change that negative feeling into something positive.
Did Ryuichi feel your strength?
Ryuichi Kihara: I was so focused on myself today that I didn’t really pay attention to Miura-san (laughs).
You scored in the 143-points. How much did your mistakes affect your score?
Ryuichi Kihara: Well, when I missed the combination, I was down 7 points. Including the GOE points, I thought I might score around 10 points less. I was thinking that I probably wouldn’t reach 140, but since I was able to set a season-best score, I think it was a total evaluation of my hard work this season.
What do you plan to do for next season?
Riku Miura: Well, I really feel like I’ve been able to grow as a skater with each passing season. So, I just want to keep practicing and working on new, difficult lifts and things like that.
Are there any challenges besides technical ones?
Riku Miura: Hmm, well, I think there are probably still areas where my skating may seem a bit off. So, I want to really work on those things thoroughly.
What happened when Kihara patted Miura on the back just after the performance?
Riku Miura: He was trying to pat me gently, but I think he miscalculated the force and ended up patting me harder than he intended. I was like, ‘Huh?’ It wasn’t as gentle as usual (laughs)
Ryuichi Kihara: I miscalculated the force.
What about the level of competition, given that there were no Russian skaters this season?
Ryuichi Kihara: I think we still have a long way to go before we can beat the top skaters in the world when they come back. So we need to make some improvements.
Related topics: Riku Miura Ryuichi Kihara
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