FIGURE SKATING: Japan's Kagiyama to take break from competition in 2026-27 season

Olympic silver medallist Yuma Kagiyama of Japan announced on Monday that he will be taking a break from competitive figure skating during the 2026-27 season. The 22-year-old stated that the decision was motivated by his desire to rediscover the joy of the sport and take on new challenges.

Kagiyama, a four-time Olympic silver medallist, secured second place in both the individual and team events at the 2022 and 2026 Winter Games. His impressive career continues to be marked by consistency and high achievement on the ice.

The Japanese figure skater wrapped up his season at the 2026 World Figure Skating Championships, where he staged an impressive comeback. After finishing sixth in the short programme, Kagiyama surged to second place in the free skate with a flawless performance, earning a score of 306.67. He skated to Christopher Tin’s "Turandot Finale," claiming silver behind American sensation Ilia Malinin.

"These past few seasons have brought many frustrations and difficult moments, but I'm glad I was able to finish the season on a positive note," Kagiyama wrote on Instagram. "It felt long, yet short, and then long again — a season full of ups and downs."

Reflecting on his decision to take a break from competitive skating, Kagiyama added, "For the 2026-27 season, I've decided to take a break from competing. I want to use this time to rediscover what makes figure skating so special, take on new challenges, and reflect on myself as I look toward the future."

Despite stepping away from competition, Kagiyama assured his fans that they would still see him on the ice. "I’ve got a few projects in the works, so I hope you’ll look forward to them," the four-time world silver medallist shared. "There will also be ice shows and events, so I’m excited to see you all again and skate in front of you soon."

-Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters