Japanese speed skater Miho Takagi has announced her retirement following the upcoming World Allround Speed Skating Championships in Thialf.
NOS Schaatsen, a Dutch news outlet, reports on Takagi’s decision to end her skating career.
Takagi, aged 31, shared on social media that the World Allround Championships, taking place this weekend, will be her final competition. She expressed her intention to cherish every moment and compete with determination until the end. The Japanese skater revealed that she had made the decision to retire well before the Olympic Winter Games in Milan.
During the Milan 2026 Olympics, Takagi secured three bronze medals in the 500 meters, 1,000 meters, and team pursuit events. She previously won Olympic gold medals in 2018 and 2022 for the team pursuit and 1,000 meters respectively. Over her career, Takagi amassed nine world titles, excelling in both sprint and allround disciplines. Only four women, including Anni Friesinger, have won more world titles than her.
