Figure skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara shared what sports they would have pursued if they had not entered the world of skating [1].
These reflections offer a rare glimpse into the personal interests of the gold medalist pair, humanizing the athletes beyond their competitive achievements on the ice.
During the interview, Miura discussed her affinity for other athletics. She said, "Aside from skating, I really like badminton, so I would want to join the badminton club" [1].
Kihara focused his hypothetical interests on baseball. He said, "If I hadn't been skating, I think I would have played baseball" [1]. He said he would have wanted to play as a catcher or a shortstop [1].
The duo also discussed the interpersonal dynamics of their partnership. They revealed a specific "reconciliation rule" used to resolve arguments, which involves using food to make amends [1].
Beyond their personal lives and hypothetical sports careers, the pair spoke about their professional engagements outside of competition. This included a discussion regarding their appearance in a new commercial for McDonald's [1].
The interview was conducted as part of an entertainment segment designed to engage viewers by exploring the athletes' dreams and hobbies outside of their primary discipline [1].
“"Aside from skating, I really like badminton, so I would want to join the badminton club."”
The public sharing of these personal anecdotes and 'reconciliation rules' serves as a strategic branding effort to maintain the pair's visibility and relatability during non-competitive periods. By bridging the gap between elite athletic performance and everyday interests, such as baseball or fast-food commercials, the athletes expand their marketability to a broader general audience in Japan.
