Miura and Kihara Lead Pairs Free Skate, Japan Nears U.S. in 2026 Olympics
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Japanese figure skaters Miura and Kihara have emerged as frontrunners in the pairs division. Their latest performance showcased impressive skills, despite a minor error in their side-by-side triple toe loops, which was deemed a quarter under-rotation by judges.
Miura and Kihara Shine
Miura and Kihara executed an impressive range of elements, receiving positive Grades of Execution (GOE) across all 11 components of their routine. Their standout moment came from a beautifully performed throw triple loop, which thrilled the audience.
Just two months prior, at the Grand Prix Final, they set a personal best score of 147.89. This strong showing reinforces their status as favorites for the pairs event at the upcoming Olympics.
Team Georgia Faces Challenges
Meanwhile, Team Georgia, skating to “Le discours d’Arthur” and “Keeping Me Alive,” encountered difficulties during their free skate. Despite executing well, they suffered a fall during a choreography sequence, which cost them valuable points.
Skater Berulava expressed her fatigue after the routine, stating, “I didn’t show my maximum today.” Both she and her partner, Metelkina, had been dealing with minor injuries throughout the competition, which added to their challenges.
Italian Pairs Team Delivers
The Italian team, Conti and Macii, also faced obstacles but showed remarkable resilience. Conti skated with a knee brace following a previous injury, yet both skaters galvanized the home crowd in Milan.
- Conti described the performance as tough but noted the crowd’s support was invaluable.
- Macii echoed her sentiments, stating the audience skated alongside them emotionally throughout their routine.
U.S. Team Makes Their Mark
The U.S. team opened the pairs free skate with a strong performance, achieving their career best. Kam demonstrated perseverance by overcoming a challenging first throw triple Lutz.
Reflecting on their experience, Kam commented, “The short program had a lot of jitters.” O’Shea added that their focus was on enjoying the performance, which they believed they accomplished. This attitude helped them earn an extra point, enhancing their scores.
Upcoming Olympics Outlook
As the competition unfolds, Miura and Kihara’s strong performances indicate their potential to lead Japan close to the U.S. in the medal standings at the 2026 Winter Olympics. With rival teams battling injuries and pressure, the pairs competition is shaping up to be both intense and thrilling.
