Japan wins its first-ever Olympic pairs skating gold
Japan has scooped its first-ever Olympic gold medal for pairs figure skating. Ice skater Riku Miura and her partner Ryuichi Kihara dazzled a highly appreciative crowd on their way to placing first in the pairs free skate competition. Their outstanding and dynamic performance also set a world record. After the first round, the pair were a fair way down the field of contenders for gold. They knew they would have to pull out all the stops to have any chance of getting a medal. And they did that with aplomb. Their routine was a stunning display of athleticism, daring, speed, and technique. The spectators at the Milano Ice Skating Arena gave the duo a standing ovation to thunderous applause.
The couple seemed shell-shocked after leaving the ice to speak to waiting reporters. An out-of-breath Mr Kihara exclaimed: "We were determined to nail it." He added: "It's still unbelievable. I never thought we could win gold today, so it feels incredibly good." The couple first teamed up in 2019. Ms Miura said: "We have had so many experiences over the past seven years and we have grown a lot, so I think that is the reason why we managed to triumph and win the gold medal." Their coach, Bruno Marcotte, showered them with praise. He said: "I think today they were able to create magic. They skated with their heart. Their connection really came through, and it was just pure magic."
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Olympics / gold medal / figure skating / appreciative / world record / athleticism / shellshocked / nailing it / determined / couple / triumph / praise / heart / pure magic
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Discussion
What do you think about what you read?
Which are better, the Winter or Summer Olympics?
Which is better, figure skating or speed skating?
When was the last time you were shellshocked?
When was the last time you nailed something?
How would it feel to win Olympic gold for your country?
What was the last thing you saw that was 'pure magic'?
What questions would you like to ask the gold medallists?
