Mar 2 β€’ 09:00 UTC πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

Figure Skater Riku Miura Reveals Words to Parents During Visit to Hometown Takarazuka City

Olympic gold medalist Riku Miura visited her hometown of Takarazuka, Japan, to report on her achievements to local officials and express gratitude to her parents.

On February 2nd, 24-year-old Riku Miura, known as "Rikuryu", visited the Takarazuka City Hall in Hyogo Prefecture after winning a gold medal in pairs figure skating and a silver in the team event at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Miura, a graduate of local schools and whose parents still reside in Takarazuka, was honored by the city's mayor, who praised her as a treasure and pride of the 220,000 residents of the city. During a subsequent press conference, Miura expressed her heartfelt joy in achieving a medal for her hometown.

Miura shared a personal moment during her visit, revealing that she showed her Olympic medal to her parents and thanked them for their support over the years, despite feeling shy about expressing her gratitude face-to-face. She described her connection to Takarazuka, noting her love for the local train station and reminisced about a pet cat she found near a skating rink during her childhood. The local community showed their encouragement, with many offering supportive words as she walked through the city.

Reflecting on her journey, Miura recalled her rigorous training and diet management, which helped her overcome difficulties to reach her Olympic goals. She expressed aspirations of becoming a coach alongside her skating partner, Ryuichi Kihara, indicating her desire to give back to the skating community and nurture future talent after her competitive career ends. Miura's achievements not only highlight her personal success but also showcase the local pride and aspirations of Takarazuka residents.

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