Rika Kihira: “Over these past few years, due to the effects of my injury, I often struggled. I avoided confronting my current situation, lost sight of myself, and lost confidence.”
Rika Kihira reflects on her challenges and dreams ahead of her return to competitive skating.
original source: Tokyo Sports, August 2nd 2025
Rika Kihira shared insights into her current status as she progresses towards the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. After two seasons sidelined due to a right ankle injury, Kihira provided an update on her recovery and her mental and physical progress. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Tokyo Sports.
Kihira, who decided to take a complete break from competition for the past two seasons, has been steadily working towards her comeback. In an update on her Instagram account as of August 2, she reported, “I’ve completed my regular MRI check-up and rehabilitation training.”
She also opened up about the struggles she has faced: “Over these past few years, due to the effects of my injury, I often struggled. I avoided confronting my current situation, lost sight of myself, and lost confidence. There were a lot of challenges.”
However, she expressed optimism about her recent progress: “Lately, I’m finally regaining myself, recovering mentally, and feeling growth. I want to continue valuing each day and cherishing myself as I move forward.”
Kihira, who turned 23 on July 21, shared her aspirations in a birthday interview: “I want to give my all and do everything I can. I want to hold onto hope and believe in even the smallest chances until the very end. Right now, I’m regaining my confidence, and I want to refine what I can do. When the right moment comes, I want to make a full comeback. I don’t want to give up.”
Related topics: Rika Kihira
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