Judo Maruyama Castle Shiro Rival confrontation and gold medal August 27th 11:12
Judo World Championship. Shiro Maruyama, the first to play at the age of 26, won the gold medal at the 66-kilometer class for men, where two men fighting for the Tokyo Olympics. We won a rival showdown with Kazuki Abe who aimed for the third consecutive victory in this class and stood at the top for the first time.
Since the start of the Olympic selection, the two teams faced up directly in April last November. Both were extended games, but in the end, Maruyama won the victory, `` I will definitely win, the feeling that I will be the representative and champion will be stronger '' It was.
In fact, Maruyama is a struggling person who has overcome the crisis of player life.
When I was a second year university student, I spent about a year and a half during treatment due to a ruptured ligament in the left knee and a serious injury that damaged the meniscus.
(Photo: Competitors Abe 12 and Abe)
In the meantime, Abe, 4 years old, has emerged.
In the selection race that competes for the Tokyo Olympics representatives, such as winning the World Championship twice in a row, the difference was made at a stretch.
Furthermore, at last year's world championship, he won the world championship simultaneous gold medal by his brother and sister's sibling for the first time in Japan. A lot of media picked up and attracted a lot of attention, and Abe came to be called the “Star of the Tokyo Olympics”.
Mr. Maruyama talked about his feelings at that time, saying "I can't express it with the word of regret", but I want to do judo for those who supported me while having a difficult time overtaken by rehabilitation and younger players. Says that the heart has grown.
“I experienced a hard time, a hard time, and a lot of things. I have a strong desire to give back to the people who support me on a daily basis. I feel stronger when I put them all together.” I could see the spiritual strength.
The semi-final with Abe on the 26th, who was greeted, Maruyama said that he wanted to give back thanks to the support of the people who cheered while hurting his right knee and dragging his legs during the match I talked like this.
Director Yasuo Inoue received high acclaim as “It was a wonderful and wonderful battle that I had been regretful so far and entered the tournament. It is worth winning after winning my knees.”
The tears that Maruyama, who hardly changed his expression during the match, showed at the moment of winning the gold medal may be a proof that he had overcome the hardships he had had so far.
However, Maruyama's goal is just a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
The difference between the two rivals is said to be slight, and it is interesting to see what kind of match will be played with Abe at the November international tournament where the representative is decided.