Official retirement announcements by figure skaters in 2025-2026

US Pair

Olivia Flores and Luke Wang, who were the 2024 U.S. junior national champion, 2024 World Junior silver medalist, 2024 Junior Grand Prix Final silver medalist, among other things, have parted ways.

 
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Riku Miura & Ryuichi Kihara have decided to retire.

 
I'll miss Riku/Ryu, but I can see why they would retire after this Olympics (aside from Ryuichi's age). They had some incredible moments in Milano that would probably be difficult to top, or even equal, in the future. Their SP in the team skate was, to me, one of the best pairs SPs I've ever seen, and their free skate in the individual event was also in that category. They definitely went out in a blaze of glory! (LOL.)

My only regret is I wish they'd had more programs in their career that really showed off their talent. Of all their competitive programs, I only really loved two--the Hallelujah SP and the Paint It Black SP.
 
I will miss Riku and Ryuichi more than words can say. But, my feelings aside, I think this is the right decision for them. Kihara has a dream ... he wants to be instrumental in inspiring young Japanese skaters to go into pairs skating and help to make Japan become a pairs skating powerhouse in the future. It seems that Riku shares this dream and they plan to work together towards this goal. They certainly have the credentials and recognition (and financial backing from large sponsors) to help them get this plan off the ground. They just might make it happen. Who knows? Maybe in 10-15 years (or less) they may be coaching elite pairs teams at Worlds/Olympics. They must be excited to tackle the challenges ahead. I wish them all the best .... and I will never forget their incredible charisma on the ice.
 

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