"Sapporo" examination of marathon and racewalking The people on land are puzzled October 16th 23:07
Concerns from domestic athletics related to the start of the study to change the venue for the Tokyo Olympic marathon and racewalking to Sapporo.
The IOC = International Olympic Committee announced that it was considering changing the venue for the Tokyo Olympic marathon and racewalking to Sapporo because of the heat of the day after 7:30 on the 16th.
Regarding this, Akira Kazama, Secretary General of the Japan Athletics Federation, revealed that there was no prior contact from the International Athletics Federation.
In addition, the executives in charge of strengthening the marathon were equally confused, saying, “I didn't know” or “Why now”, indicating that the IOC response was extremely unusual.
The Tokyo Olympic marathon and racewalking course was announced last May, and the Japan Land Federation held a marathon representative selection race MGC = Marathon Grand Championship last month.
Except for the start and finish, the same course as the Olympic production was mentioned, and the climatic conditions were held in an environment close to the actual performance, so it was thought that Japanese players would be a big advantage for the next Tokyo Olympics.
In the midst of such a situation, the leader who had decided to change the venue suddenly said, “While we were talking about whether it was okay in the hot season, we have been preparing. I was confused.
Director Masahiko Takahashi, who teaches Ayuko Suzuki, who has been confirmed to be the representative of the women's marathon, said, `` We should think about strategy, but the players have been practicing that course and have been puzzling. “I ’ll have to switch my head if I decide,” I was worried about the impact on Japanese players who had been preparing.
Mr. Arimori “Thinking is important”
Yuko Arimori, who won the medal for the second consecutive Olympic Games in the women ’s marathon, said, “It was a bit surprised to change this place at this time. I think that it is important to think about it, "he said, and made a certain evaluation that he was considering changing the venue.
As for the factor of the examination, I gave the World Championship held in Doha, Qatar from last month and said, “I think that it was really okay in the harsh weather and situation,” I said.
On top of that, “I think it has little impact on the players. It ’s a nice story to be cool, and the change in the course is n’t too frightening. Whatever the conditions, strong players are strong, and winning or losing is not greatly affected. I want this change to work positively, and work positively. "
Organizing Committee “Health of players is the most important matter”
According to the IOC's announcement that it is considering moving the Tokyo Olympic marathon and racewalking venue, the Organizing Committee of the Games said, “Health of athletes is the most important matter for the organizing committee. In the coordination committee with IOC, we will cooperate with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and discuss with the parties concerned. "
Hokkaido Marathon in Sapporo
In Sapporo, where the venue is being considered this time, the Hokkaido Marathon is held every summer as the only full marathon race approved by the Japan Athletic Federation.
The Hokkaido Marathon is a tournament that is held in midsummer, which is rare in Japan, and Honma Maeda and Ayuko Suzuki, who have been confirmed to be women's representatives of Japan, have won this tournament. Yuko Arimori, who won the medal, is also the winner.
The Hokkaido Marathon is a course that starts and finishes in Odori Park in the center of Sapporo City, and is popular among citizen runners as a characteristic event such as running on the campus of Hokkaido University.