Sailing Takahashi / Koizumi pair Iizuka / Hatayama pair Tokyo Olympics
The Sailing World Championships took place in Australia, of which the pair of Ryo Takahashi and Ibuki Koizumi was in the 33rd place in the 49er class, and the pair of Shibuki Iizuka and Eri Hatayama in the Nakura class was in the 19th place. We have decided to be representatives of the Tokyo Olympics.
The last day of the sailing world championships in Australia was held on the 15th.
Among them, the pair of Takahashi and Koizumi who competed in the 49er class competing in a high-speed race, also called "Umi no F1", ranked 33rd in a total of 11 races.
In addition, the pair of Iizuka and Hatayama, who participated in the Nakura class of mixed genders adopted from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, ranked 19th in the overall ranking of 11 races.
As a result, both pairs were the top performers in their respective classes in this tournament, cleared the criteria set by the Japan Sailing Federation, and were nominated for the Tokyo Olympics. Both pairs are participating in the Olympic Games for the first time.
Takahashi of the 49er class has commented through the Federation that "I am happy about the job offer, but not yet. I want to raise my level further toward the Tokyo Olympics."
In addition, Nakura-class Iizuka commented, "I want to fight the Tokyo Olympics well."
Takahashi and Koizumi
Ryo Takahashi, a 21-year-old native from Shizuoka Prefecture, is a New Zealand father and Japanese mother, is 1 meter 88 cm tall, weighs 86 kg, and has a large physique.
Ibuki Koizumi is a 23-year-old from Yamaguchi Prefecture, 1 meter 68 cm tall and in contrast to Takahashi, his physique is small, but his movement is fast.
Iizuka and Hatayama
Shizuki Iizuka is 31 years old from Yokohama. Eri Hatayama is 27 years old from Osaka Prefecture. Both were aiming for the Olympics in the 470 class, but since 2017 they have formed a pair and turned to the Nakura class, making their first Olympic appearance.