Rikako Ikee, the first swimmer to win the race after returning from leukemia this month, will open her practice in Tokyo on the 26th, saying, "I want to return to the world stage someday," and will re-enter the competition as a top athlete. I talked about my thoughts.
Ikee won the women's 50-meter butterfly in the student-centered competition held on the 21st of this month for the first time after returning to the competition in August last year.
The 25.77 seconds marked in the final was a good time equivalent to the final advancement of the adult world championship, showing that he is steadily regaining his strength.
On the 26th, Ikee, a second-year student at Nihon University, disclosed the practice to the press at a university pool in Tokyo, and swam about 5,000 meters over two hours, mainly in freestyle and butterfly strokes.
Since my muscle strength has not fully recovered after fighting against illness, I have listed the start as one of the tasks now, and even in the practice on the 26th, I carefully checked how to use my body when kicking the start table. ..
After the practice, Ikee, who responded to the interview, said about the race the other day, "I thought that when I returned to the pool last March, it would be the best story in the future. I will come here in less than a year. It was unexpected that I was able to do it. "
After that, he strongly said, "I have a desire to return to the world stage someday. I have just started climbing the stairs, but I want to climb more and more."
On the other hand, regarding the Tokyo Olympics, "I would like to do my best if there is a possibility, but I have always said that my goal is the Paris Olympics in 2024, and I sincerely think so. I know my body best, I have the consciousness that it is Paris for the time being. "
Ikee is scheduled to participate in the Japan Championships in April as the next race.
What are your thoughts on the Japan Championships?
The Japan Championships in April, where Ikee is scheduled to participate next, is the tournament that decides the best swimming in Japan.
Ikee has broken the standard participation record required for participation in the tournament in the 4th event, 50m and 100m respectively for freestyle and butterfly.
Three years ago, Ikee showed overwhelming strength, breaking the Japanese record he had in all four events he participated in.
This year will be held at the venue of the Tokyo Olympics, which will also serve as the representative selection for the Olympics, but Ikee said, "I think it was the best thing to be able to participate anyway. First of all, I will remain in the final, so I will gradually step by step. I want to improve my level. "
Regarding the event to be entered, I will consider it to the last minute including the adjustment condition in the future, "I am excited about how far I can go next. I want to enjoy being able to participate with all my strength. I have one month left so I will firmly I want to practice driving in and gaining confidence. "