*This content was translated by AI.
"What kind of relationship are we? I'll leave that to your imagination."
Just six months ago, Japanese figure skating stars Riku Miura (25) and Ryuichi Kihara (34), who had avoided giving a definitive answer about their relationship, have decided to become life partners beyond being ice rink partners.
Reuters reported on the 23rd (Korean time) that "Japanese figure skating champions Miura and Kihara have announced their engagement."
The two announced their engagement directly through social media (SNS) on this day. The photo released together showed Kihara kneeling on one knee on the ice, presenting a ring to Miura.
The two said they have walked together while supporting each other through happy and difficult moments, and that as time has passed, they have become irreplaceable beings to one another who cannot be exchanged for anything.
He added, "I am truly delighted to finally be able to share this news with you all," and said, "As we begin a new chapter, we will continue to support one another and move forward step by step together without losing our unique identity."
He also requested, "I hope you will continue to offer warm support and watch over us."
The two are nine years apart in age. Miura, born in 2001, is 25, while Kiha, born in 1992, turned 34 the day before their engagement announcement.
The two have been together on the ice for a long time, building their love along the way. Since first teaming up in 2019, they have experienced countless joys and sorrows over seven years, growing into Japan's representative figure skating stars. Miura and Kihara announced their joint retirement from active competition this April.
Reuters introduced that Miura and Kiha, nicknamed "Rikyu," won the gold medal in figure skating pairs at the February Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, marking the first time Japanese athletes have ever achieved this feat in the event.
He added, "The two players are well known for constantly smiling and hugging each other both inside and outside the stadium, always showing a bright demeanor," noting that "it was often seen that Kihara carried Miura, who is 146 cm tall, onto or off the ice rink."
Behind the brilliant success were difficult times. Ki-ha fought recurring back injuries, and Mi-ura competed in numerous tournaments while dealing with chronic shoulder dislocations.
However, the two overcame pain and trials together and set a new milestone in Japanese figure skating history at the recent Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Reuters explained that "the climax of a fairy-tale journey unfolded in Milan. At the time, the two skaters' program was structured around the themes of 'combat, survival, and victory.'"
The process was dramatic. The two, with uncharacteristic errors, were once pushed down to fifth place. It seemed they were drifting away from the gold medal.
However, they staged a stunning comeback in the free skate. Miura and Kihara delivered a spectacular performance set to the music of the film "Gladiator," setting a world-record score that instantly flipped their standings. Ultimately, they claimed the top spot in the overall total, securing Japan's first-ever Olympic gold medal in figure skating pair events.
As the gold medal was secured, Kihara burst into tears. Having admitted that he felt "completely hopeless" after his earlier mistake, the joy of reaching the summit was even greater. Reuters reported that this scene was broadcast repeatedly countless times on Japanese television.
They were also asked about their relationship during a press conference at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, where Miura and Kihara responded. At that time, Miura said, "It is natural for us to be together; we are like family." Later, the two smiled and added, "We will leave what comes next to your imagination."
The two people who left ambiguous answers have now decided to start a new life together.
Miura and Kihara announced in their engagement statement that "as time has passed, they have become irreplaceable figures in each other's lives."
Reuters added that the engagement announcement post received more than 14,000 congratulatory messages within five hours of being made public.
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*This content was translated by AI.
