Miho Takagi Receives Japan's People's Honor Award

SPEED SKATING

Speed Skating Legend Miho Takagi Receives Japan's People's Honor Award

04 Aug 2026

Miho Takagi with the Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in August 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. © JSF

Speed skating legend Miho Takagi has been awarded Japan's prestigious People's Honor Award, one of the country's highest civilian distinctions. The Award was presented by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at a special ceremony in Tokyo, recognizing Takagi's exceptional achievements and lasting contribution to sport. The People's Honor Award is bestowed on individuals who have inspired the world through outstanding accomplishments in sport, entertainment, the arts, and other fields. The award recognizes individuals for outstanding achievements in sport, entertainment, art and other fields.

Miho Takagi is the most decorated Japanese female athlete in history. She competed at four Olympic Games: 2010, 2018, 2022 and 2026, earning a total of 10 medals, including gold in the 1000m in Beijing 2022 and gold in the Team Pursuit in PyeongChang 2018.

At her final Olympic Games in Milano Cortina 2026, the Japanese star claimed three bronze medals. She closed out her remarkable career with another bronze at the ISU Speed Skating World Championships 2026 and announced her retirement.

Beyond her own success, Takagi is instrumental to the development of speed skating in Japan. Her versatility and her longevity inspired the next generation of speed skaters in her home country and beyond.

Miho Takagi with the People's Honow Awards in August 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. © JSF

Miho Takagi expressed her deep gratitude: “I am truly honored to receive such a prestigious award, and at the same time, I strongly feel that it is more than I deserve. Looking back on my career, I know that I could never have competed for such a long time and achieve these results all by myself. This is the first time a speed skater has received the People's Honor Award, and I see it not simply as recognition of my own achievements, but rather as a tribute to everyone who has contributed to the sport of speed skating up until now. I hope this honour will be seen as something I have the privilege of accepting on behalf of the entire speed skating community."

Takagi is only the second skater to be considered for the People’s Honor Award in Japan. Figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu received the award in 2018 after winning his second Olympic gold medal.

Miho Takagi’s career highlights