Milano Cortina 2026: Miura Riku / Kihara Ryuichi put Japan back into medal conversation in figure skating team event
In a thrilling display of athleticism and artistry, Japan’s Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi have surged back into contention for a medal at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. On February 6, they claimed the top position in the pairs short program segment of the figure skating team event, showcasing their strength and resilience.
Skating to the melancholic tune of “Paint It Black,” the Beijing 2022 silver medalists delivered a breathtaking performance that elevated Japan from eighth to sixth place, setting a personal best with a score of 82.84 points. “We wanted to do our part for Team Japan,” Kihara reflected. His partner, Miura, echoed the sentiment: “We weren’t nervous but just right in terms of tension.” Their flawless jumps and intricate lifts effectively quashed any doubts regarding Miura’s recent shoulder injury.
The USA maintained their overall lead, with Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea finishing fifth in the short program. Following strong performances from ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, Team USA added crucial points to their tally.
Georgia captivated the audience as Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava delivered a drama-filled skate, earning 77.54 points. Coach Metelkina expressed, “Everything went well in training. We just relaxed and executed our plan.” Meanwhile, the Italian pair of Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii, competing on home ice, lit up the arena with their passionate flamenco-inspired routine, garnering 76.65 points to elevate Italy into second place.
Despite challenges, Canadian skaters Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud performed admirably in a challenging situation, finishing fourth with a score of 68.24 points. The People’s Republic of China’s Sui Wenjing and Han Cong experienced a tough routine, landing in eighth place but vowing to improve.
The competitive landscape of the figure skating team event is heating up, with the top five teams advancing to the final segment, featuring free skates and dances. Fans eagerly anticipate what the remaining days will unfold as athletes push the boundaries of performance excellence at Milano Cortina 2026.
