Riku Miura & Ryuichi Kihara Share Gold Medal Reflections on THE TIME
Fresh off their historic victory at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara appeared live on TBS’s morning program THE TIME, offering fans a glimpse into both their triumph and their everyday life as training partners in Toronto.
Broadcast from a special studio in Milan on February 19, the newly crowned Olympic champions reflected on their journey, their partnership, and the reality of winning Japan’s first Olympic gold medal in pairs figure skating.
Letting the Victory Sink In
Speaking just two days after their unforgettable performance, Miura admitted the magnitude of their achievement is only beginning to register.
“I’ve been receiving so many messages,” she shared with a bright smile. “It’s starting to feel real little by little.”
Kihara echoed that sentiment in his own way, adding with a laugh, “I finally slept well last night. When I woke up, that’s when it truly hit me — we actually won gold.”
Their relaxed demeanor stood in gentle contrast to the intensity that carried them through the free skate that secured their place in history.
Life Together in Toronto
During the interview, host Shinichiro Azumi turned the conversation toward their unique training arrangement. The pair has been living together in Toronto while preparing for competitions — a setup that naturally sparked curiosity.
“I’ve heard you live together while training,” Azumi asked. “Do you ever argue?”
Miura responded with a grin. “We rarely disagree about skating. But in daily life? Yes, we have little arguments.”
She laughed before adding, “It’s like sibling quarrels.”
Kihara nodded, smiling at the comparison.
A Routine That Feels Normal
When asked how long they’ve been living together, Kihara tilted his head thoughtfully. “Hmm… I’m not exactly sure,” he admitted.
Miura answered casually, “We’re always together, so it just feels normal now.”
Their synchronized lifestyle extends to their daily schedule as well. Because they share identical practice times, they wake up at nearly the same hour each day — another reflection of how deeply their routines are intertwined.
More Than Teammates
Their lighthearted exchange revealed something deeper than medals or scores: trust.
Training at the elite level of pairs figure skating demands physical synchronization and emotional understanding. Living together has only strengthened that connection, allowing them to support one another both on and off the ice.
Their Olympic gold was forged not only through technical excellence, but through a partnership built on communication, shared discipline, and even the occasional playful disagreement.
From sibling-style quarrels to shared wake-up alarms, Miura and Kihara’s bond extends far beyond competition. And as they return home as national heroes, fans are seeing that the strength behind their historic performance lies just as much in their daily life as it does in their breathtaking routines.