Miho Takagi, Japan’s most decorated Olympic speed skater, has announced her retirement, concluding a distinguished career marked by 10 Olympic medals across three Winter Games.
According to ISU Skating, the 31-year-old athlete competed internationally for over a decade, beginning with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games at age 15 and retiring after the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. Her achievements include two gold, four silver, and four bronze Olympic medals, making her the most successful Japanese speed skater in Olympic history.
Takagi’s career highlights feature notable successes at various World Championships, such as winning the World Single Distance Championships in 2015 in Team Pursuit alongside her sister Nana Takagi and Ayaka Kikuchi. She also secured titles at the World Allround Championships in 2018 and the World Sprint Championships in 2020 and 2024, as well as multiple gold medals in individual distances ranging from 1000m to 1500m and team events.
Distinguished by her versatility, Takagi was able to excel in both sprint and endurance events, a combination that allowed her to maintain consistent high-level performances. Her skill and results contributed significantly to Japan’s emergence as a competitive force in international speed skating.
Her Olympic career spanned three editions: Vancouver 2010, Beijing 2022, and Milano Cortina 2026. Her breakthrough moment came in Beijing 2022, where she won her first individual Olympic gold and added several other medals. In her final Olympic appearance in 2026, she earned three bronze medals, rounding out her medal collection.
Takagi’s adaptability across distances and formats made her a key competitor in both individual races and team pursuits throughout her career. Her final competitive event was the ISU Speed Skating World Championships in Heerenveen, where she placed third and received a standing ovation from the audience, highlighting her respected status in the sport.
Beyond the medals and titles, Takagi is regarded as an inspirational figure whose consistency, longevity, and versatility have influenced a new generation of speed skaters both in Japan and internationally.
Key career statistics include 10 Olympic medals over 3 Olympic appearances, with primary events being the 1000m, 1500m, and Team Pursuit disciplines.
