“He’s a role model for me” and “If it weren’t for Riku, I think I would have retired from pairs in 2019, so she really is an irreplaceable presence for me.” Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara on their partnership and mutual support
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who won Japan’s first-ever Olympic gold in pairs figure skating at the Milano-Cortina Games and have since retired, appeared on TBS’s “Sunday First Ear Learning,” reflecting on their partnership and mutual support.
original source: Hochi News dd. 18th May 2026
Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara who won the historic gold medal in pairs figure skating at the Milano-Cortina Olympics in February and subsequently retired, appeared on TBS’s “Sunday First Ear Learning” broadcast on the May 17th. They answered various questions from studio member Here’s a translation of their comments.
When asked, “What do you mean to each other now, looking back?” Miura replied, “Ryuichi is always serious and kind. He’s not a negative example for me – how should I put it? A role model,” she said with a wry smile. The host pointed out, “There’s quite a difference between a negative example and a role model.”
Miura clarified, “He’s a role model, and he made me feel like I want to work hard for him, so he was truly an indispensable presence.” Kihara added, “If it weren’t for Riku, I think I would have retired from pairs in 2019, so she really is an irreplaceable presence for me.”
Related topics: Riku Miura Ryuichi Kihara
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