From left, Ryuichi Kihara and Riku Kihara celebrate their Olympic success with coach Bruno Marcotte (2026 Winter Olympics supplied photo).
They may have represented Japan, but the gold medal won by Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara in pairs figure skating at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics was largely shaped in Ontario.
Miura, 24, and Kihara, 33, made a stunning comeback with a world-record free skate on Monday (Feb. 16), proudly achieving Japan’s first-ever gold medal in pairs skating. Despite their roots, much of their training has taken place at Skate Oakville, guided by coaches Bruno Marcotte and Meagan Duhamel.
Since 2019, Skate Oakville has been where Miura and Kihara trained. They were already world champions in 2023 and 2025 and had earned team silver medals in both 2022 and this year in Italy. But it’s the gold medal that has everyone in Oakville buzzing.
“A huge congratulations to Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara on their historic victory in Milan!” posted Mayor Rob Burton on his Facebook page. “After a tough short program, they delivered a world-record free skate to the music of Gladiator, securing Japan’s first-ever Olympic gold in pairs skating. We are incredibly proud that this world-record-breaking team calls Oakville home. Bruno (Marcotte) and Meagan (Duhamel) have built an amazing program at our local club, and today that hard work reached the pinnacle of the global stage. Oakville is cheering for you!”
Located at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, Skate Oakville (formerly known as the Oakville Figure Skating Club) has been around for nearly 90 years and is Canada’s largest skating club with over 2,500 members. It has also been home to elite skaters like Maria and Otto Jelinek who were world champions back in 1962.
The championship performance from Miura and Kihara set a new world record with 158.13 points during Monday’s free skate; however, victory didn’t come easy. The pair had to bounce back from an earlier mistake on a lift during the short program that placed them fifth.
But many are calling their free skate flawless as they surged back to claim gold.
Miura mentioned she felt devastated after the short program but received encouraging words from coach Marcotte.
“My main message to them today was be the best in the world. Don’t worry about yesterday,” Marcotte shared with the Associated Press. “I told them that it wasn’t over. Before they went out on the ice, I just said, ‘Be yourself.’”
Fans from Oakville quickly praised both athletes for what they called a well-deserved win.
“Powerful and moving! What an amazing performance! I love these two,” said one commenter echoing many who watched their routine.
Another remarked how Miura and Kihara feel like part of Oakville’s community fabric even though they compete under another nation’s flag.
“I’ve seen them practicing every day starting at 6 a. m., which shows dedication,” commented another social media user. “I can say I’m just as proud of them as any other athlete from this country-they were incredible.”
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“My main message to them today was be the best in the world. Don’t worry about yesterday,” Marcotte shared with the Associated Press. “I told them that it wasn’t over. Before they went out on the ice, I just said, ‘Be yourself.’”
Fans from Oakville quickly praised both athletes for what they called a well-deserved win.
“Powerful and moving! What an amazing performance! I love these two,” said one commenter echoing many who watched their routine.
Another remarked how Miura and Kihara feel like part of Oakville’s community fabric even though they compete under another nation’s flag.
“I’ve seen them practicing every day starting at 6 a. m., which shows dedication,” commented another social media user. “I can say I’m just as proud of them as any other athlete from this country-they were incredible.”
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Last 30 Days: 56,339 Votes
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