Miho Takagi Aims for Historic 11th Career Medal & Women’s Ice Hockey Targets Upset Through Teamwork

Miho Takagi (31) Speed Skating

February 10, 1:30 a.m. — Women’s 1000m
February 15, 12:00 a.m. — Women’s Team Pursuit Quarterfinals
February 16, 1:03 a.m. — Women’s 500m
February 21, 12:30 a.m. — Women’s 1500m

Two golds, four silvers, and one bronze—seven Olympic medals in total. Speed skating legend Miho Takagi now sets her sights on an extraordinary milestone at the Milan Olympics: a career total of 11 Olympic medals.

Takagi had already declared her intention to compete in the women’s 1000m, 1500m, and team pursuit. Upon arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport on February 2, she also expressed her desire to compete in the 500m, for which she had been listed as a reserve. Her biggest goal at the Milan Games is said to be winning gold in the 1500m.

“Before the Games, she told me, ‘I want to give absolutely everything I have and reach that pinnacle,’” said sports journalist Yumiko Yanai. “The 1500m has been Takagi’s strongest distance since her junior days, and she holds the world record in the event. Yet she has never won Olympic gold in it. She surely has a vision of winning all the events she enters this time, including the 1500m.”

Fans eagerly await the sight of Takagi returning home with four gold medals draped around her neck.

Ice Hockey Women

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

The Japan women’s national ice hockey team will take on powerhouse nations with their trademark teamwork.

“Among the 23 players selected for the national team, there are three pairs of sisters, which has further strengthened the team’s unity. Ayaka Hitosato (31) and Haruka Toko (28), who both play in Sweden, are competing together for the third consecutive Olympics. The older sister anchors the defense, while the younger is a key offensive force.

Aoi Shiga (26) and Akane Shiga (24) have also made the squad together again following the Beijing Olympics. Meanwhile, 21-year-old twins Rio Noro and Riri Noro are making their Olympic debut, bringing youthful scoring power to the team,” said a sports newspaper reporter.

Leading this diverse and tightly bonded roster—including the three sister pairs—is captain Shiori Koike (32), who is competing in her fourth consecutive Olympics. With what is considered the strongest lineup in its history, “Smile Japan” could be poised to break into the world’s top three.

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