Olympic gold medalists Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara—affectionately known as “Rikuryu”—have officially withdrawn from the 2026 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, delivering a surprising but understandable decision just weeks after their historic triumph at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The announcement came via the Japan Skating Federation on February 27, 2026, confirming that the pair, who etched their names into history as Japan’s first-ever Olympic champions in pairs figure skating, will not defend their world title from March 24-29 in the Czech capital. In a heartfelt statement released through the federation, Miura and Kihara explained their reasoning with clarity and honesty:
“After winning the gold medal at the Olympics, we realized it would be difficult to return our physical and mental condition to the pre-Olympic level in time for Worlds, so we made the decision to withdraw.”
They added that the Olympics had been their primary focus all season, with Worlds never firmly in their plans beyond the possibility. “As for our future plans, we will make an announcement ourselves after the season ends. We kindly ask for your continued warm support for Rikuryu.”
The withdrawal opens the door for a new world champion to be crowned, shifting the spotlight to contenders like Georgia’s Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava (Olympic silver medalists), Germany’s Minerva Hase and Nikita Volodin (Olympic bronze), and other rising pairs eager to claim the top spot.
Miura (24) and Kihara (33) delivered one of the most emotional and dramatic comebacks in recent Olympic history. Entering Milano-Cortina as reigning world champions and heavy favorites, they stumbled in the short program—placing fifth after a costly error on a lift that left Kihara in tears and devastated on the ice. Many wondered if the pressure had finally cracked the unbreakable duo.
But in the free skate, they unleashed pure magic. Skating to music from “Gladiator,” they executed flawless elements, big triple jumps and throws, stunning lifts, and spins with unmatched power and artistry. Their free skate score of 158.13 set a new world record, turning a seven-point deficit into a nearly 10-point victory with a total of 231.24 points. The moment Miura raised her fist in triumph and Kihara completed the final lift was so moving that even the TV cameraman captured it through tears. Japan had its first pairs Olympic medal—and it was gold.
In a post-Olympic appearance on TV Asahi’s “Hodo Station” on February 25, the pair reflected on the journey. Miura, who famously stepped up as the “big sister” to support her partner, said the fist pump was filled with raw emotion: “We made no major mistakes… the pressure was really intense, but we were able to give everything we had.”
Kihara opened up about resetting his mindset after the short program meltdown: “After the official practice, we had various exchanges… I was able to face the competition without showing weakness, fully believing in the training we had done.”
Their seven-year partnership has been built on mutual encouragement, resilience through injuries and setbacks, and unwavering belief in each other. Miura expressed deep gratitude for Kihara’s honest, heartfelt support: “He’s not shy and always shares what he feels from the bottom of his heart.”
Beyond the ice, their vision extends far past personal glory. Both spoke passionately about nurturing the next generation and transforming Japan into a pairs skating powerhouse—a discipline historically underrepresented in the country. Kihara pledged: “I don’t want our generation to be the last for pairs in Japan. If there’s anything we can do to help Japan become a pair skating powerhouse, we’ll do it. There haven’t been many pair coaches in Japan, so we want to work hard to become coaches for the next generation.”
Miura echoed the sentiment: “I share the same goal, so I hope to always support Ryuichi by his side.”
Fans and the skating community have largely embraced the withdrawal as wise and humane. The brutal schedule—Olympics ending mid-February, Worlds just over a month later—leaves little recovery time after the physical demands of throws, lifts, and the intense mental strain of Olympic competition. Social media buzzed with support: “Rest well, Rikuryu!” and calls to prioritize health over another title chase.
This choice also highlights a maturing approach in elite sports: recognizing when to step back to preserve longevity, especially after achieving the ultimate dream. With their Olympic legacy secured, Miura and Kihara now have the freedom to heal, reflect, and plan their next chapter—whether that’s more competition, coaching, or both.
The 2026 Worlds in Prague will feel different without the defending champions, but their absence underscores the depth of the field and the unpredictable beauty of figure skating. As one era’s pinnacle moment fades into memory, a new one awaits on the horizon.
For Rikuryu, the gold was never just about a medal—it was about partnership, perseverance, and inspiring a nation. Their story continues, even off the competitive ice, and the skating world will be watching eagerly for what comes next.
