Coach of skater Miho Takagi praises her achievements at the World Allround Speed Skating Championships despite tough competition and discusses her future plans.
Schaatsen.nl, Netherlands
Miho Takagi secured a bronze medal at the World Allround Speed Skating Championships, an accomplishment her coach describes as remarkable given the strong field of competitors. Takagi defeated top Dutch allround skaters including the former world champion Antoinette de Jong and nearly surpassed Marijke Groenewoud, considered among the best in the Netherlands. Although Takagi is not primarily an allround specialist, she had previously earned bronze medals in the 500 and 1000 meters at the Winter Olympics in Milan.
The coach emphasized how rare it is to see a skater with Takagi’s versatility, able to compete successfully in both sprint and allround events. He mentioned the difficulty in managing both disciplines simultaneously and suggested that scheduling the two World Championships with a greater time gap might have better supported her ambitions. He noted a lack of competition in recent months, which may have affected preparations, and expressed that supporting athletes with more podium opportunities between major championships could be beneficial.
Regarding Takagi’s future, the coach acknowledged that she is considering stepping back from competitive skating to focus on other pursuits such as travel and study. While he believes she still has the ability to compete at the highest level, he respects her personal decision and highlighted the positive aspects of an athletic career, including fewer responsibilities and the opportunity to travel. He described it as a transition to a different phase of life, encouraging her to continue if her passion remains strong.
The partnership between Takagi and her coach, which intensified when she established her own team in 2022, is concluding. With this change, the coach will now spend more time with his family in the Netherlands. He expressed that although he hoped to persuade Takagi to continue competing, he ultimately supported her choice. Reflecting on the past week, he described it as difficult but appreciated Takagi’s commitment to perform strongly in the final events.
Lastly, the coach commented on the recent decision by the International Skating Union (ISU) to organize a gala in honor of the championships. He criticized the ISU’s event planning, suggesting that their expectations were unrealistic regarding athlete participation, particularly the notion that many would attend in formal wear.
