Winter Olympics 2026: “Gladiator” pair Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi chasing Olympic perfection
Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi have steadily established themselves as Team Japan’s dependable figure skating duo, consistently shining in crucial moments. Their latest performance at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 showcased their impressive skills, culminating in a personal best score of 155.55. This remarkable achievement helped secure a silver medal in the figure skating team event, edging out Team USA.
Performing to the evocative soundtrack of Gladiator, portrayed by the renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, this routine highlighted their tremendous growth over the years. With the pair’s short program scheduled for Sunday, February 15, Miura and Kihara are aiming higher and strongly positioned for additional podium finishes at Milano Cortina.
Six years ago, Kihara contemplated retiring from skating until a fortuitous encounter with a coach led him to a pairs tryout with Miura. The duo debuted competitively in November, and within three years, they reached the Winter Olympics at Beijing 2022. At the Beijing Games, they played a pivotal role in earning Japan a silver medal before finishing seventh in the pairs event.
Since then, Kihara and Miura have refined their technical abilities and improved their choreography, gaining recognition that propelled them to World Championship titles in 2023 and 2025. Kihara elaborated on their progression, stating, “This season, our base is just much higher than it used to be. We’re showing the competition who we are.”
The selection of Gladiator perfectly characterizes their resilience, reflecting their transformative journey. Both athletes have faced significant challenges; Kihara has addressed recurring back issues, while Miura bravely skated with a dislocated shoulder. These adversities compelled them to emphasize the fundamentals of their routines, ultimately positioning them as strong contenders for Olympic glory.
For viewers eager to watch Miura and Kihara at Milano Cortina 2026, Olympic coverage will be available across various platforms. Enthusiasts can catch the action through broadcasters and streaming services worldwide, ensuring every twist and turn of this duo’s breathtaking journey can be enjoyed by fans everywhere.
