At the Winter Olympics held in February, centred on Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, the moment that thrilled all of Japan more than any other was surely the gold medal in figure skating pairs won by the duo known as “RikuRyu,” MIURA Riku and KIHARA Ryuichi.

After the previous day's disappointed short programme left them in fifth place—trailing the leading German pair by as much as 6.9 points—they entered the free skate under immense pressure. Rising above it, they delivered a superb performance, staging a dramatic comeback to claim the gold medal. Their refusal to give up and determination to give everything until the very end inspired both courage and deep emotion within us.

Yet what moved me even more was what followed immediately after the final standings were decided—the behaviour of the German pair, Minerva Fabienne HASE and Nikita VOLODIN, who had been overtaken by “RikuRyu.”

The German pair, skating last in the free skate as the leaders after the short programme, made a few small mistakes. Their score dropped them to third, both behind the Japanese and Georgian pair. At the moment the scores were announced, Hase smiled and gently shook her head from side to side, as if to say, “That’s just how it goes,” while Volodin gave a small round of applause. Their expressions suggested disappointment, but also quiet acceptance.

The Japanese broadcast then cut to “RikuRyu,” seated just beside them as the provisional leaders. Miura applauded softly, maintaining her composure, as if in admiration of the German pair’s performance. When Kihara leaned in and whispered something—perhaps, “We got the gold”—she nodded twice with a complicated expression, then slipped down off her chair and embraced him who was kneeling on the floor in tears.

In such a moment, anyone would have jumped up in celebration. Yet Miura did not even allow herself a smile, her restraint reflecting a quiet, distinctly Japanese modesty.

After a moment, they drew apart and, still kneeling, bowed their heads to one another.

Then Hase approached, opening her arms wide as she embraced the Japanese pair and congratulated them. She bowed to Miura again and again, saying, “You were wonderful.” Miura shook her head each time, as if to say, “Not at all.” Volodin then came over to Kihara and embraced him in congratulations.

The Georgian pair, Anastasiia METELKINA and Luka BERULAVA, upon securing the silver medal, celebrated with their coaches in a huddle—their nation’s first-ever medal at the Winter Olympics. Hase and Volodin went over to congratulate them as well. Afterwards, the Georgian pair came to offer their congratulations to the Japanese duo.

Going into these Olympics, “RikuRyu” were the world’s number one, but the German pair was right behind them in second. Having built a commanding lead in the short programme—and with their greatest rivals trailing significantly—the long-awaited Olympic gold had seemed all but within their grasp. They could hardly have been anything but disappointed to finish third. And yet, they didn't show the slightest hint of it.

Although I couldn’t see their faces on TV, I could feel, by their actions, that they were celebrating the Japanese pair from the heart. Their mature behaviour as athletes, I believe, made the German duo winners in a way that transcends winning a gold medal.

Throughout these Olympics, in every sport and at every venue, athletes could be seen celebrating the victors. Rather than dwelling on the gold that slipped away, they smiled and praised the winners. Perhaps this was the most important message of these Games.

Footballers around the world may have caught glimpses of these Olympics. If they did, one hopes they saw something there—something they themselves might be missing. Watching the German pair, I found myself thinking just that.

Written by OSUMI Yoshiyuki (Football Journalist)

*This article was originally posted on the Japan Football Association Newsletter, “JFAnews,” March 2026 edition.

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