Japanese 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.

Miho Takagi with the Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and delegation during the Award Ceremony in Tokyo, Japan. © JSF

Takagi is the most decorated Japanese female athlete in history. Across four Olympic Winter Games (Vancouver 2010, PyeongChang 2018, Beijing 2022 and Milano Cortina 2026), she amassed an extraordinary 10 Olympic medals, including gold in the 1000m at Beijing 2022 and Team Pursuit gold at PyeongChang 2018. 

Bronze medallist Japan's Miho Takagi celebrates after competing in the speed skating women's 500m during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy, on February 15, 2026. © Getty Images

ISU President Jae Youl Kim paid tribute to Miho Takagi, saying: "The International Skating Union extends its heartfelt congratulations to Miho Takagi on receiving Japan's prestigious People's Honor Award. Her extraordinary achievements across four Olympic Winter Games, together with her unwavering dedication, excellence, and sportsmanship, have inspired countless people around the world and left an enduring legacy for our sport and future generations. As she embarks on this new chapter, the ISU wishes her every happiness, continued success, and great fulfilment in the years ahead."

ISU Director General, Colin Smith, Japanese politician and President of the Japanese Organizing Committee Seiko Hashimoto, Miho Takagi and ISU President Jae Youl Kim celebrating this special moment in Tokyo, Japan. © JSF

At her final Olympic Games in Milano Cortina 2026, Takagi added three bronze medals to her remarkable collection. She concluded her illustrious competitive career with another bronze medal at the ISU Speed Skating World Championships 2026 before announcing her retirement.

ISU President Jae Youl Kim congratulates bronze medal winner Miho Takagi of Japan during medal ceremony after ISU World Speed Skating Allround And Sprint Championships on March 8, 2026 in Heerenveen, Netherlands.© ISU

Beyond her exceptional achievements on the ice, Takagi has played a pivotal role in the growth of Speed Skating in Japan. Her versatility, consistency, and longevity have inspired generations of athletes, leaving a lasting legacy both in her home country and across the international skating community.

Miho Takagi speaking at the Press Conference during the Award Ceremony 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." 

Miho Takagi posing with the People's Honor Award in August 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. © JSF

Takagi becomes only the second skater to receive Japan’s People’s Honor Award, following Figure Skating icon Yuzuru Hanyu, who was honoured in 2018 after winning his second Olympic gold medal.

Miho Takagi’s Career Highlights: