Tokyo, Japan, March 5, 2026: Japan’s most decorated female Olympian, speed skater Miho Takagi, has announced that she will retire after the ISU World All-Around Championships in the Netherlands this weekend.
Takagi, 31, has won 10 medals in four appearances at the Winter Olympics, comprised of two gold, four silver and four bronze medals, with three of those bronze medals coming at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics last month.
This incredible haul makes her Japan’s most successful female Olympian in either a summer or winter games.
Takagi said via Instagram on Wednesday, March 4 that this week’s World Championships 2026 in Heerenveen, Netherlands, would be the last competition of her career.
“I’m really happy to skate the World All Round in Thialf!” Takagi posted in both Japanese and English, referring to the name of the ice arena in Heerenveen.
“It is one of the big dreams to skate the tournament there. And it will be my last competition.
“I will miss you all. But, also, it’s amazing to skate the last race in this situation.
“I’d like to say ‘thank you’ and ‘good bye’ to everyone. But firstly, I will enjoy every moment and fight hard until across finishing line. See you in Thialf.”