Ryosuke Irie was the first Japanese competitive swimmer to fail to participate in five consecutive Olympic Games. The 34-year-old, who has continued to swim on the front lines and serve as a barrier for young athletes, finished his challenge at the Paris Olympics.
Irie has announced that he will continue to play in 2022, aiming to participate at five consecutive Olympics. Shuichi Takehara, 19, who won the men's 200m backstroke, has been offered a job.