Rikuryu, the figure skating pair of Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, made history by winning Japan's first gold medal in the pairs event at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. During a press conference the following morning, they reflected on their journey, with Miura expressing joy in performing their routines on the Olympic stage. Despite a rough start with a fifth-place finish in the short program, the pair achieved an incredible comeback by scoring the highest points ever in history during the free skate, capturing the gold medal with a remarkable performance.

Miura emphasized the importance of maintaining perseverance, stating that their success stemmed from never giving up. She shared her personal belief that it's crucial to possess a steadfast will, regardless of the challenges one faces. Kihara revealed that he felt emotionally broken following the competition but was inspired by their coach's words, motivating him to overcome his struggles with the support of friends and teammates, leading to an unforgettable performance the next day.

Looking ahead, Kihara expressed a desire to expand interest in pairs figure skating in Japan, aiming to inspire future generations to pursue pair skating. Both athletes underscored their commitment to fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the discipline, aspiring for Japan to become a powerhouse in pairs figure skating by encouraging young athletes to take up the sport. Their journey serves as an uplifting narrative of resilience and teamwork, inspiring others in the sport and beyond.