Miho Takagi Becomes First Japanese Athlete to Win 11 Medals in Total & Women’s Ice Hockey Team Works to Defeat the Best

Miho Takagi (31) Speed Skating

February 10, 1:30 Women’s 1000m
February 15, 0:00 Women’s Team Chase Quarterfinals
February 16th, 1:03 Women’s 500m
February 21, 0:30 Women’s 1500m

2 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze. With 7 Olympic medals so far, the legendary Miho Takagi is aiming for another dimension of “11 medals in total” at this year’s Games.

Takagi, who had announced her participation in the women’s 1,000m, 1,500m, and team pursuit, announced her desire to compete in the 500m, which she had registered as a reserve when she arrived at Milan Malpensa Airport on February 2. Takagi’s biggest goal for the Milan Olympics is a gold medal in the 1500m.

The 1500m has been Takagi’s strongest distance since her junior days, and she holds the world record in this event. However, she has yet to achieve an Olympic gold medal. Takagi must have a vision to win all the events she competes in, including this 1500m this time,” said sports journalist Yumiko Yanai.

We can hardly wait to see Takagi return to Japan with four gold medals under his arm.

Ice Hockey Women

February 6, 20:10 France
February 7, 20:10 Germany
February 9, 20:10 Italy
February 10, 20:10 Sweden

Japan’s ice hockey women’s national team will face off against a powerful nation with their usual teamwork.

The inclusion of three pairs of sisters among the 23 members of the national team is another reason for the team’s growing cohesion. Ayaka Hitosato (31) and Haruka Tokohata (28), who both play in Sweden, are making their third consecutive appearance. The older sister is a key defender and the younger sister an attacker. Aoi Shiga (26) and Akane Shiga (24) also made the team as sisters, following the Beijing Olympics. Twins Rio Noro (21) and her younger sister Riri, who are competing for the first time, are expected to make the most of their youth to score goals,” said a reporter from a sports newspaper.

The three sisters and other members are led by their captain, Shiori Koike (32), who has competed in four consecutive tournaments. With the strongest lineup in history, “Smile Japan” may well make it to the top three in the world.

From the February 20/27, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY