Four-time Grand Prix series medalist Rika Kihira has announced that she will sit out the upcoming figure skating season due to an unresolved stress fracture in her right ankle. Despite MRI results indicating that her ankle is on the path to recovery, it has not yet reached a point where she feels confident to skate at full strength. Consequently, Kihira, in consultation with her longtime coach Brian Orser, has chosen to prioritize her recovery and training over competitive participation with just over a year remaining until the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.

“I will continue practicing, training, and receiving treatment without putting too much strain on my injury. I will continue to work hard every day to improve my skills and make a full recovery,” Kihira said in a statement.

Meanwhile, at the Lombardia Trophy in Italy, World champion Ilia Malinin from the U.S. claimed victory in the men’s event, beating out Japanese skaters Yuma Kagiyama and Shun Sato. In the women’s event, Amber Glenn and Sarah Everhardt surprisingly clinched the top two spots for the U.S. Annabelle Morozov and Jeffrey Chen, American ice dancers, finished in second place.

Upcoming competitions include the Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany this weekend, with Skate America starting on October 18 in Allen, Texas, marking the beginning of the six-event Grand Prix series leading up to the Grand Prix Final scheduled for December 5 in France.

Rika Kihira, aged 22, who set a world record for a women’s short program during her Grand Prix Final win in 2019, will need to make up ground if she aims to secure a spot on the Olympic team. Favourites to contend for gold include three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto, along with Mone Chiba and Mao Shimada from Japan, who are also considered strong contenders for medals.

Despite missing this season’s competitions, Kihira expressed gratitude for the support she has received and emphasized her dedication to returning confidently to the ice in the future. She concluded by thanking her supporters and expressing hope for their continued kindness and backing.