Japan's delegation has officially lodged a complaint with the organizers of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, expressing concerns over the quality of the podium used during the figure skating team events. The Japanese team claimed the podium surface was made of a 'rough substance, similar to asphalt, made of cut stone' which caused damage to the blades of their skates after they received their silver medals. This incident highlighted the potential impact of venue conditions on athlete performance and safety during significant international competitions.

Yosuke Takeuchi, the head of the Japanese delegation, noted that the podium's rough texture not only affected their equipment but raised additional concerns regarding the experience and performance of the athletes. The complaint emphasizes the importance of high standards in the preparations for major events like the Olympics, where athletes expect optimal conditions to compete. The situation has sparked discussions within the Olympic community about the need for thorough quality assurance of competition venues.

As the organizing committee responds to this complaint, the incident may lead to further scrutiny of how venues are constructed and maintained in future Olympic Games. With growing sensitivity towards athlete welfare, this situation surrounding the podium could set a precedent for future complaints regarding equipment and venue standards, potentially influencing how events are managed leading up to and during the Games.