Medalists aiming for a year until the Tokyo Paralympics August 23, 18:07

It is one year until next year's Tokyo Paralympics.
Medalists from past tournaments are aiming for further heights at the Paralympic Games held in their home countries.

Seki Shigemoto “I will not give up until the end”

Rio de Janeiro tournament bronze medalist, Sae Shigemoto (24), has set the goal to convey the merit of two consecutive tournaments and the appeal of para sports to many people.

Since his birth, Shigemoto, who has no tip on the right elbow, played an active role as a handball player in a national high school tournament. He switched to Para athletics while attending university.

The Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games, which was often held, won a bronze medal in a class with a disability in the 400-meter arm of a girl, and gained a lot of attention.

He won a bronze medal at the World Championship in Ototoshi and last year's Asia Para Tournament, and updated his record in Japan in May.

As for the Tokyo Paralympic Games that approached one year later, Shigemoto said, “Because only bronze medals have been taken so far in big competitions, I would like to take out the piled up and get a better color medal. I want to keep running to the end without giving up, "he said.

Shigemoto, who was struggling to convert from handball to Para-land.
“I learned the importance of taking on Para Parade for the first time. I hope that you will feel energetic if you see Para players even if you suffer a disability due to an accident or illness. Various people come to see the Tokyo Games. I want to convey the joy and splendor of sports to the public, ”and the goal is to convey the appeal of para sports to many people.

Boccia Takaki Hirose “Exercise All”

Boccia Japan National Team ace Takashi Hirose (34), who won the silver medal at the Rio de Janeiro tournament, is aiming for a gold medal with the help of the local cheer.

Hirose, who has had cerebral palsy since birth, has a strong pitch. Participated in the Paralympic Games for three consecutive times since the 2008 Beijing Games, and contributed to the first silver medal as the Japanese ace at the Rio de Janeiro Games.

The Japanese national team, who won a silver medal at last year's world championship, is aiming to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Hirose said, “I want to get the most shining medal as long as I am a player. I want to show in front of everyone in Japan the podium that was not achieved in Rio, so all that has been done for 2020. I want to demonstrate it, "and is eager to win the target gold medal.

In March, Hirose visited the Ariake Gymnastics Stadium in Koto-ku, Tokyo, which is the venue for the game.

About the impression, “I feel very excited because the distance between the audience seats and the players is very close, and I can hear the cheering well, and I have an image of playing with the support of the crowd. I want you to support me thinking I was able to throw. "

Swimming Keiichi Kimura “I know what to do”

For the Japanese ace of para-competition, the gold medal of the Tokyo tournament is truly a “craving” for Keiichi Kimura (28) who is blind.

Kimura, who lost sight due to illness when he was two years old, has participated in the Paralympic Games three times since the 2008 Beijing Games.

The last Rio de Janeiro tournament won four medals.
However, he did not reach the gold medal and he did not hide his regret that he wanted one gold medal rather than four medals.

Kimura has moved to the United States from the summer of last year to achieve the longing for a gold medal, and has been working not only on swimming techniques under the coaches and trainers who raised Paralympic gold medalists, but also on physical remodeling. The

Kimura said, “Since I have been to the United States for over a year, the results of strengthening have been gradually formed, and the record has been rising. I want to train further without being satisfied with this situation.” talked.

And for the Tokyo Paralympic Games a year later, “The first event in the world will be held in your own country. But I know what I need to do to get a gold medal, so I'm just going to do it every day so that I don't waste it every day. I want to take the gold medal and make it the first moment in my competitive life. " It was.