Miho Takagi Achieves 34th World Cup Gold, Matching Japanese Record
In a remarkable achievement, Miho Takagi secured her 34th gold medal at the Speed Skating World Cup on January 24, 2025, in Calgary, Canada. This victory ties her with Hiroyasu Shimizu and Nao Kodaira for the most World Cup golds by a Japanese athlete in events contested at the Winter Olympics.
The 30-year-old athlete demonstrated her prowess by winning the women's 1,000 meters event, clocking an impressive time of 1 minute and 13.10 seconds. Following closely in second place was Jutta Leerdam from the Netherlands, who finished 0.36 seconds behind, while Han Mei of China secured third, just 0.12 seconds later.
Expressing her sentiments about reaching this milestone, Takagi acknowledged her pride but also noted that there are areas where she sees room for improvement, indicating that her ambitions extend beyond mere record-keeping.
Unlike her predecessors Shimizu and Kodaira, whose golds predominantly came in the 500 meters, Takagi has carved her own path as an all-rounder in speed skating. Of her 34 World Cup titles, she has excelled particularly in the 1,500 meters, amassing 23 wins in that distance. This accomplishment is significant, considering that the 1,500 meters has historically been dominated by international competitors. Additionally, Takagi has recorded 10 victories in the 1,000 meters and one in the 3,000 meters, showcasing her versatility in a sport where many skaters tend to specialize.
Since earning her first individual World Cup gold in December 2016, Takagi has not only excelled individually but has also been instrumental in leading Japan to success in team pursuit events, further highlighting her multifaceted skills.
Jun Yuda, the head of development for the Japan Skating Federation, praised Takagi's remarkable achievements, emphasizing her strength and unique ability to perform exceptionally well despite a demanding competition schedule.
As Takagi continues her journey in speed skating, her record-setting performance not only brings personal gratification but also enhances her standing in the sports world, inspiring future generations of athletes.
