Tokyo – Olympic gold‑medalists Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the first Japanese pair to win gold in figure skating at the Milano Cortina Winter Games, announced their engagement on Sunday. The couple posted a photo on Instagram showing Kihara kneeling on the ice to present Miura with a ring, captioned, “We’re engaged.”
Miura, 24, and Kihara, who turned 34 on Saturday, have been partners on the ice since 2019 and announced their retirement from competitive skating in April. Their partnership, often referred to as “Riku‑Ryu,” produced a historic Olympic victory in February, where they earned a world‑record score and a gold medal with a program themed around combat, survival and triumph.
Their journey was marked by significant challenges. Kihara battled recurring back injuries, while Miura competed with a chronically dislocated shoulder. Despite these setbacks, the pair delivered a memorable performance in Milan, overcoming a fifth‑place slip caused by an uncharacteristic error and returning to claim the top podium spot.
Following the Olympic win, Kihara described feeling “completely devastated” after the earlier error, but the moment quickly turned to tears of joy as the crowd rose to their feet. The emotional scene was replayed extensively on Japanese television, underscoring the pair’s impact on the nation’s sporting fans.
In their Instagram announcement, Miura and Kihara reflected on their shared experiences, noting that they have “become irreplaceable parts of each other’s lives.” The post attracted more than 14,000 congratulatory messages within five hours, highlighting the widespread affection for the duo.
Legacy and future plans
Beyond their competitive achievements, Miura and Kihara have become beloved figures in Japan’s skating community, known for their smiles, laughter and frequent embraces on and off the ice. Kihara has occasionally carried the 146‑cm (4‑foot‑9‑inch) Miura onto and off the rink, a gesture that endeared them to fans.
Now retired, the pair has hinted at future endeavors that may include coaching, choreography, or other contributions to the sport, though no specific plans have been announced. Their engagement marks a new chapter in a partnership that has already left an indelible mark on Japanese figure skating history.
Fans and fellow athletes alike have praised the couple for their perseverance, teamwork and the inspiration they provide to aspiring skaters across the country.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
