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Entertainment271 words2 min read

Figure Skating Duo "Riku Ryu" Appear on Beauty Magazine Cover

woman in beige performing ice skate
Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash
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The figure skating pair nicknamed "Riku Ryu" has drawn widespread attention online after appearing on the cover of a beauty magazine, showing a side of themselves rarely seen in competition.

A skating pair refers to two athletes who perform routines together on the ice, and Riku Ryu is a well-known duo recognized for their performances in figure skating competitions.

For the magazine shoot, the pair presented a noticeably different atmosphere from their usual sporting image, adopting a more fashion-focused look.

Fans and commenters online praised the photos, describing the skaters as looking like "perfect models", a term typically reserved for people whose profession is appearing in fashion photography.

Several comments specifically highlighted the pair's matching outfits, with one fan writing that the coordinated styling looked "really good."

Other reactions compared one of the skaters to an idol, a term in Japan often used for entertainers who are admired for their appearance and charisma, rather than strictly for athletic skill.

The cover quickly became a trending topic on social media, as fans shared and discussed the unfamiliar, glamorous images of the pair.

Because Riku Ryu is primarily known for athletic performances in competitive settings, the shift to a fashion-oriented photoshoot was seen by many as a refreshing change.

The reaction reflects a broader pattern in which athletes who gain strong followings sometimes branch into fashion or lifestyle media, allowing fans to see a different, more stylised side of their public personas.

While details about the specific magazine issue or photoshoot concept were limited, the overwhelmingly positive response suggests the images resonated strongly with the pair's existing fan base online.

Vocabulary7 words

pair
two athletes performing together
competition
an event where people compete to win
atmosphere
the general feeling or mood
model
a person who poses for fashion photos professionally
matching
styled to look the same
idol
a star admired mainly for appearance and charm
trending
popular and widely discussed right now

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Quiz

1. What made the magazine appearance notable, according to the article?
2. How did fans describe the pair's outfits?
3. True or False: The article confirms the exact name and issue date of the magazine.

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Discussion questions

  1. Why do you think fans reacted so strongly to seeing the skaters in a different style?
  2. Do you think athletes should take part in fashion photoshoots? Why or why not?
  3. How might appearing in fashion media affect a sports pair's public image?
  4. Have you ever been surprised to see a familiar public figure in an unexpected role? Describe it.

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