With Rikuryu retiring, which skaters would you pair up (Japan or beyond)?
With Rikuryu retiring and Yunasumi being the only pair at a truly competitive level (and they’ll definitely grow, but still need time), Japan seems to be heading into a rebuilding phase in pairs.
That got me thinking: which skaters do you think could make successful pair teams, considering current senior or even junior athletes?
Japan doesn’t really have other pairs at the same level right now, and that also extends to ice dance. At the most recent Nationals, there were only three teams competing in both pairs and ice dance.
South Korea is also in an uncertain spot in ice dance after Hannah Lim ended her partnership.
If you want, feel free to include ideas for ice dance as well, or even suggest potential pairs from other federations — I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Edit: Looks like the info about Rika Kihira ending her ice dance partnership wasn’t accurate — thanks to those who pointed it out!