The Japan Skating Federation's ceremony to recognize this season's best athletes was held in Tokyo on the 26th, and the JOC Cup, the grand prize, was awarded to figure skaters Riki Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who won all major international competitions, and Miho Takagi, who won bronze medals in two events at the world speed skating championships.
The award ceremony of the Japan Skating Federation was held in Tokyo on the afternoon of the 26th, and was attended by about 50 athletes who were selected as the best athletes of the season in figure skating, speed skating, and short track.
Among them, Miura and Kihara, nicknamed "Rikuryu", were selected for the first time for the JOC Cup, which is the highest award winner of the JOC Cup, which is the grand prix final and the Four Continents Championships in figure skating, as well as the first time as a Japan pair at the world championships. Takagi, who won bronze medals in the women's 1000 meters and 1500 meters at the world speed skating championships, was selected for the second year in a row.
Miura said, "I didn't think I would be able to make it this far at first due to injuries, but considering that, it was a good season, but I couldn't match the short program and free without making mistakes, so I want to get ready next season."
Kihara also said, "Next season, we want to surpass ourselves by one goal this season, learn new lifts, and challenge the techniques that we were holding back due to injury."
In addition, figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu and speed skater Nao Kodaira, who both retired last year, were selected for the Special Achievement Award.
Miho Takagi: "I'm grateful to be evaluated for the results"
Miho Takagi, a speed skater who was selected for the JOC Cup, said, "I am grateful to be recognized for my results," and was looking ahead to the start of the autumn season, saying, "I can't use my body well and the balance between the left and right sides is becoming noticeable.