At the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Japan's women's speed skating team faced off against the Netherlands in the semifinals of the team pursuit event. The Japanese team, led by ace skater Miho Takagi, initially took the lead in the first lap but eventually succumbed to the Dutch team's pace, a well-anticipated outcome according to their coach, Williamson. Despite an impressive surge in the latter laps, the Japanese team could not maintain their lead and finished just 0.11 seconds behind, falling short of securing a place in the finals.

Miho Takagi reflected on the loss, stating that the team lacked the necessary experience to dominate in such intense and tightly contested races. Her remarks highlight the importance of developing competitive skills and strategies over crucial moments that can determine the outcome of races. Even though the Japanese team executed their strategy flawlessly and displayed remarkable synergy throughout, it was their experience during critical moments that ultimately contributed to their defeat.

Coach Williamson praised the team's performance, stating it was their best yet, as they competed fiercely until the final moment. The loss serves as a reminder for Team Japan as they prepare for future competitions, emphasizing the need for experience in high-stakes situations, a valuable lesson for the athletes aiming for gold in upcoming skates.