Competing in the figure skating pairs free event at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi showcased a remarkable comeback after experiencing a difficult short program. The duo found themselves in fifth place after the short program, where miscommunication led to a significant mistake, leaving them 6.90 points behind the leaders and with extensive pressure on their shoulders for the free skate. However, determined to make a comeback, they executed their routine flawlessly, starting with an impressive twist lift followed by a series of perfectly coordinated jumps and spins, regaining their confidence and the crowd's roaring support.

Their performance not only allowed them to surpass their own previous best free score of 155.55 but also set a new world record with an astonishing total of 158.13 points. The emotional intensity was palpable as Kihara celebrated with a loud shout and Miura expressed her surprise by covering her mouth in disbelief. Both athletes had trained meticulously with the intention of making this performance their ultimate goal, and despite the earlier setbacks, they managed to remain optimistic and focused, encouraging each other throughout the competition.

Their victory marked a historic achievement for Japan, as it was the first gold medal in pairs figure skating in the nation's history. During the award ceremony, the two stood together, smiling widely, with Kihara lifting Miura onto the podium before joining her. After receiving their gold medals, they shared their joy with the audience, waving and basking in the glory of their unprecedented success, making this moment a triumphant showcase of their resilience and talent.