Japanese pair skating stars Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, Olympic champions at the Milano Cortina 2026, have announced their retirement from competitive figure skating.

Known affectionately as “RikuRyu”, the duo made history as Japan’s first Olympic medalists in pair skating at the Team Event before going on to win Olympic gold in 2026. Their journey, defined by resilience, partnership, and breakthrough success, leaves a lasting mark on the sport.

“While our competitive careers are coming to an end, we truly feel that we gave it our all, and have no regrets,” Miura and Kihara shared on Instagram. “We are proud of everything we went through, and feel we gained so much along the way.”

They truly did.

Why Are Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara Retiring?

Miura and Kihara step away from competition having achieved everything in the sport, including Olympic gold, World titles, and multiple historic firsts for Japan in pair skating.

• They reached the pinnacle with Olympic gold in 2026
• They overcame injuries and setbacks throughout their career
• They now aim to support the growth of pair skating in Japan

Their retirement marks the end of a defining era for Japanese pair skating, but not their involvement in the sport.

How Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara Became Japan's Top Pair Skating Team

Their story began at a moment of uncertainty.

In 2019, Kihara was close to stepping away from competitive skating. His previous partnership had ended, and after competing at two Olympic Games, he was considering what came next.

Coach Bruno Marcotte saw another path.

At the same time, Miura was searching for a new partner after her junior partnership dissolved. Marcotte connected the two. Kihara agreed to a tryout. It changed everything.

In pair skating, success depends on more than technical ability. Physical compatibility, timing, trust, and personality all play a role. From the beginning, Miura and Kihara clicked. 

They showed early promise in the 2019–2020 season before the pandemic disrupted competition. When they returned to the ice, they steadily climbed the ranks, finishing 10th at the 2021 World Championships and securing an Olympic spot.

Riku Miura & Ryuichi Kihara compete in the Pair Skating - Free Skating at the ISU Figure Skating World Championships 2021 in Stockholm, Sweden © ISU

From Breakthrough to Olympic Champions in Pair Skating

Following the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, where they placed seventh, Miura and Kihara’s rise accelerated.

They became:

• Silver medalists at the World Championships 2022
• The first Japanese pair skating World Champions (2023)
• The first Japanese pair skating Four Continents Champions
• The first Japanese pair skating Grand Prix Final winners

They redefined what was possible for Japan in pair skating. Their success was built on trust and shared ambition.

“We always respect our coaches and each other,” Kihara said. “We want to take one step at a time every day and improve.”

“A good partner, good coach, good training mates,” Miura added.

Olympic Redemption at Milano Cortina 2026

At Milano Cortina 2026, Miura and Kihara arrived as favorites. But their Olympic journey was far from straightforward.

A mistake in the Short Program left them in fifth place. For a moment, their dream seemed out of reach.

“I was in despair,” Kihara admitted. “I didn’t know how to get up again.”

What followed defined their legacy. Supported by their team and each other, they delivered a powerful Free Skating performance to claim Olympic gold.

“Riku said it’s not over yet,” Kihara said.

“I told him, ‘I’m going to skate for you today,’” Miura recalled. “And he said, ‘We’re going to skate for each other.’”

That mindset carried them to the top of the Olympic podium.

Riku Miura & Ryuichi Kihara react after competing in the Pair Skating - Free Skating at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olymic Winter Games in Milan, Italy © Getty Images

Overcoming Injuries and Setbacks

Their career was not without challenges. Injuries disrupted multiple seasons, but Miura and Kihara consistently returned to the podium:

• World and Four Continents silver medals in 2024
• Second World and Four Continents titles in 2025

Each setback strengthened their partnership and resilience. Their ability to come back stronger became one of their defining traits.

What's Next for Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara?

At 24 and 33, Miura and Kihara leave competitive skating as pioneers of their discipline in Japan.

Their focus now shifts to the future of pair skating.

“We feel deeply grateful to everyone who supported us,” they shared. “We could not have come this far alone.”

Their next mission is clear:

• Promote pair skating in Japan
• Inspire the next generation of athletes
• Help grow the discipline domestically

“I hope more boys and girls take on the challenge of pair skating,” Kihara said. “That would be something truly special.”