Riku Miura: “Over these past seven years, we’ve gained a lot of experience, including dealing with injuries, and I feel like we’ve really grown. I’m in the best condition I’ve ever been, so I’m truly looking forward to competing.”
Japanese pair skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara practiced at the competition venue, expressing confidence in their preparation and Miura’s recovery from a shoulder injury.
original source: news.yahoo.co.jp dd. 3d January 2026
Aiming to win Japan’s first-ever pair skating medal, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara practiced at the main competition venue. Here’s a translation of their comments.
Q: This was your first practice at the venue. How did the ice and the atmosphere feel?
Miura: The ice really suited our feet, and the edges caught well, so it felt very stable and easy to skate.
Kihara: I think this is my first time skating here since 2018. I don’t remember much from back then, but today the ice felt great, and we were able to check things like the atmosphere and the lighting – things you can only do when you’re the only pair on the ice. It was a really good session.
Q: Now that you’ve arrived in Milan and the opening is near, how are you feeling?
Miura: In a good way, it still doesn’t feel like the Olympics yet. I’m not super nervous, so I think I’ll be able to go into the competition in a good state of mind.
Kihara: We’ve really been able to prepare well, so I feel like I can spend these days without any worries.
Q: Miura, you dislocated your shoulder during practice at the All-Japan Championships. It’s been a little over a month since then. How is your condition now?
Miura: Right now, I can practice without any worries at all. Since the injury, I feel like my shoulder is the strongest it’s ever been in my life.
Q: Kihara, how does it look from your perspective?
Kihara: She’s been able to practice without any concerns about her shoulder, so I think that’s really great.
Q: What are your thoughts going into the Olympics?
Miura: Over these past seven years, we’ve gained a lot of experience, including dealing with injuries, and I feel like we’ve really grown. I’m in the best condition I’ve ever been, so I’m truly looking forward to competing.”
Related topics: Olympic Games, Riku Miura Ryuichi Kihara
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