Shoma Uno’s retirement from singles skating never felt like a permanent goodbye to the sport. In the months following his competitive career, the three-time Olympic medalist explored new creative projects and searched for different challenges on the ice.

Now, that journey has taken an unexpected turn. Uno and Marin Honda have announced plans to pursue the 2030 Winter Olympics as an ice dance team, beginning a completely new chapter in both of their skating careers.

An Unexpected Return Through Ice Dance

Uno’s return to competition comes in a form few fans expected.

Less than two years after stepping away from competitive singles skating, Uno has announced a return to competition — but in a completely different discipline. Skating alongside Marin Honda, Uno revealed plans to pursue a place at the 2030 Winter Olympics.

The decision represents a dramatic shift for two athletes who built their reputations in singles skating. According to Uno, discussions about pursuing ice dance began in October 2024, not long after both had retired from competition. What began as an idea eventually developed into a long-term goal shared by both skaters.

From Retirement to a New Olympic Goal

Uno explained that he was the first to raise the possibility of competing together. He recalled asking Honda whether she would consider aiming for the Olympics as an ice dance team.

For Honda, the idea required time and consideration. Having recently retired, she was uncertain about immediately returning to the demands of elite training. Eventually, however, the opportunity and challenge convinced her to move forward.

Honda, the 2016 World Junior champion, has never competed at the Olympic Games. Uno, meanwhile, represented Japan at both PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022, earning Olympic medals at each Games.

Building a Partnership on the Ice

Although the announcement may surprise many fans, Uno and Honda had already begun exploring ice dance before revealing their Olympic ambitions. Through Uno’s self-produced Ice Brave shows, the pair performed duet programs and started adapting to the demands of skating together rather than as individual competitors.

The transition introduced a very different challenge for both skaters. Unlike singles skating, ice dance relies heavily on timing, musical interpretation, edge quality, and communication between partners. Uno previously acknowledged that the discipline proved more difficult than he initially expected, noting that movements that appear effortless from the audience often become far more complex on the ice.

As their performances continued, what initially appeared to be an exhibition collaboration gradually evolved into the foundation of a competitive partnership.

Looking Ahead to the Road to 2030

The team is expected to begin their competitive journey later this year, with a possible debut during qualifying events leading to the Japanese National Championships in December.

For many athletes, retirement marks the end of a competitive journey. For Uno, however, it seems to have become the start of something entirely different.

Instead of moving away from the sport, he continues finding new ways to challenge himself. Now, with Honda by his side, that journey could eventually lead back to the Olympic stage.

Paula Slater

Founder of Golden Skate in 1999, Paula has followed the sport of figure skating for over four decades. A retired U.S. Army veteran, she takes joy in promoting the sport worldwide, covering events, interviewing skaters, and providing resources. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and in her free time, enjoys reading, walking her dogs, painting, and consuming large quantities of coffee.