Olympic figure skating medalist Yuma Kagiyama announced Monday he will take a break from competition for the 2026-27 season. The 22-year-old, a four-time Olympic silver medalist in individual and team events, cited a desire to rediscover the joy of the sport and explore new challenges.
Kagiyama concluded his recent season with a silver medal at the World Figure Skating Championships, finishing second behind American Ilia Malinin. "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 stated on Instagram. "For the 2026-27 season, I've decided to take a break from competing."
He added that fans can still expect to see him in ice shows and events, with "a few projects in the works."