Miho Takagi: Japan’s Speed Skating Star

Miho Takagi is a celebrated Japanese speed skater who has rapidly become a dominant force in the sport, captivating fans with her skill and success. As of February 2026, she has amassed an impressive collection of ten Olympic medals, including two gold, and continues to compete at the highest level.

Early Career and Olympic Debut

Born on May 22, 1994, in Makubetsu, Hokkaido, Japan, Takagi began her speed skating journey at a young age. She first represented Japan on the international stage at the 2010 Winter Olympics at the age of 15, finishing 35th in the women’s 1000 meters and 23rd in the 1500 meters.

Olympic Success

Takagi’s Olympic career truly took off at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, where she secured a silver medal in the team pursuit and a silver in the 1500m. Her performance continued to excel at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where she won gold in the 1000m and 500m, as well as a silver in the 1500m and another silver in the team pursuit. She is slated to compete at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, with expectations for continued success.

World Championship Achievements

Beyond the Olympics, Takagi has consistently demonstrated her prowess at the World Single Distances Championships. She has earned multiple medals in the team pursuit, securing gold in 2015 (Heerenveen), 2019 (Inzell), 2020 (Salt Lake City), and 2024 (Calgary). She as well achieved individual success, winning gold in the 1000m at the 2024 Calgary World Single Distances Championships and the 1500m at the 2025 Hamar World Single Distances Championships. Additional World Championship medals include wins in the 1000m (2023 Heerenveen), 1500m (2023 Heerenveen), and team pursuit events in 2016 (Kolomna), 2017 (Gangneung), and 2019 (Inzell).

Other Notable Achievements

Takagi’s accomplishments extend to other prestigious competitions. She has won medals at the World Sprint Championships (2020 Hamar, 2024 Inzell), the World Allround Championships (2018 Amsterdam, 2019 Calgary, 2022 Hamar, 2017 Hamar), and the Four Continents Championships (2024 Salt Lake City, 2025 Hachinohe). She also excelled at the 2017 Asian Games in Sapporo, winning gold in the 1500m, 3000m, and mass start events, as well as the 1000m.

Recognition and Future of Japanese Speed Skating

Takagi’s success has drawn comparisons to other sporting icons, with some observers noting her impact on speed skating is akin to the influence of Mai no Umi and Akebono in sumo wrestling [1]. Her achievements have garnered international respect and admiration. However, there are growing concerns within Japan about the future of speed skating and the need to develop the next generation of athletes to follow in Takagi’s footsteps.