"It's actually very common for skating partners to become real-life couples," reveals a former Japanese national team member about figure skating relationships... this time leading all the way to 'engagement'

*This content was translated by AI.

"It's actually very common for them to become real-life couples."

A former Japanese national figure skating team member has openly shared stories about relationships among pair skaters.

Japan's Nikkan Sports reported on the 29th (Korea time) that "former Japanese national pair skater Takahashi Narumi appeared on a Kansai TV program and spoke about relationships among pair skaters."

Recently, another couple has emerged in Japanese figure skating.

The protagonists are Miura Riku (25), one of Japan's leading figures in the sport, and Kihara Ryuichi (34). Known by the nickname "Riku-Ryu," the two athletes publicly announced their engagement via social media on the 23rd. The photo they shared together showed Kihara kneeling on one knee on the ice while presenting a ring to Miura.

Despite being nine years apart, the two have skated together for many years and built a special bond. Since first pairing up in 2019, they have shared countless joys and sorrows over seven years, growing into Japan's top figure skating stars.

At the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics last February, they became the first Japanese athletes ever to win gold in the pair skating event.

Their path to victory was also dramatic. At one point, due to unusual mistakes, they fell as low as fifth place and seemed far from the gold medal.

However, they staged a stunning comeback during the free skate. Miura and Kihara delivered a breathtaking performance set to music from the film "Gladiator," setting a world-leading score that instantly propelled them to the top. In the end, they claimed the total score and secured Japan's first-ever Olympic gold medal in pair skating.

As soon as the gold medal was confirmed, Kihara burst into tears. The dramatic scene of the two reaching the pinnacle became a major topic, broadcast repeatedly countless times on Japanese television.

Regarding this, Takahashi explained that it is not particularly rare for pair skating partners to develop into real-life couples.

When asked whether pair skaters often end up in actual romantic relationships, he replied, "Yes," adding, "It's not always the case, but including international pairs, there are actually quite a lot of pair skaters who become real-life couples."

He explained that due to the nature of the pair skating discipline, the two athletes spend long periods together and constantly adjust to each other, which can naturally influence their relationship.

Takahashi stated, "The fact that they continue as a pair itself means they have good compatibility," and added, "They adjust to each other for the sake of competition."

He further emphasized, "With love alone, a couple can be formed," noting, "People with naturally good compatibility form pairs. Without that, results simply won't come."

Miura and Kihara did not share only brilliant successes. Kihara battled recurring back injuries, while Miura competed in numerous tournaments despite chronic shoulder dislocations.

At every difficult moment, they encouraged each other, overcoming pain and trials together, ultimately setting a new milestone in Japanese figure skating history by winning gold at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Reuters reported that "the two athletes are famous for constantly smiling and hugging each other both on and off the ice, always showing a bright side." It added, "There were also many moments when Kihara, standing 146 cm tall, would lift Miura onto his arms as they entered or exited the ice."

The two announced their retirement from active competition in April this year. Shortly after ending their careers together, they announced yet another new beginning — not as skating partners, but as life companions.

In announcing their engagement, the two said, "We have walked side by side through happy and difficult moments, supporting each other," and added, "As time passed, we became irreplaceable beings to one another."

They further promised, "Even as we begin a new chapter, we will continue to support each other and move forward step by step without losing our unique bond."

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*This content was translated by AI.