Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara: “This season, we’re approaching it as if we’re not the world champions. We’ve returned to our roots, realizing that it’s important to enjoy ourselves and skate with smiles, true to who we are.”
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara shared their mindset ahead of the Grand Prix Final
original source: Nikkansports 3d. December 2025
Riku Miura (33) and Ryuichi Kihara (33) and Ryuichi Kihara (33) who will compete at the Figure Skating Grand Prix (GP) Final opening on December 4 at Aichi IG Arena, appeared in elegant traditional attire in the New Year’s issue of Kateigaho. In the feature, they discussed their feelings as world champions heading into the Milan-Cortina Olympics next February. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports.
Kihara, wearing a kimono for the first time since his childhood Shichi-Go-San festival, shared, “When I tightened the obi, I felt a sense of resolve, and receiving a blessing at Iwashimizu Hachimangu, revered by many warriors as a god of victory, made me feel refreshed and sacred.”
With only a short time left before their second appearance on the Olympic stage as gold medal favorites, Miura reflected on the period after their first world championship win in the 2022–23 season, saying, “Last season, I got too caught up in results and ended up spinning my wheels. This season, I’m approaching it as if I’m not the world champion.”
The pair have maintained strong form, winning both of their Grand Prix events so far this season. “We’ve returned to our roots, realizing that it’s important to enjoy ourselves and skate with smiles, true to who we are,” Miura added.
Related topics: Riku Miura Ryuichi Kihara
Leave a Reply