The farewell ceremony for the Barcelona Olympics, Judo gold medalist Toshihiko Koga, who died on the 24th of this month, was held in Kanagawa Prefecture on the 29th, and many people missed the farewell.
Mr. Koga was called "Heisei Sanshiro" because of his vivid back-to-back throwing, and participated in three Olympic Games including the Barcelona Games.
After retiring from active duty in 2000, he worked hard to train younger generations, such as serving as a coach for all-Japan women's coaches and general director of the university, and died of cancer on the 24th of this month at the age of 53.
Mr. Koga's farewell ceremony was held at a temple in Kawasaki City.
Approximately 1,000 people with whom we had a close relationship attended, including Hidehiko Yoshida, who was a junior of Koga and won the gold medal at the Barcelona Games, and Ayumi Tanimoto, who won the gold medal at the Athens Games under the guidance of Mr. Koga. ..
At the ceremony, Mr. Yoshida made a condolence and said, "It's too early. The day before I died, when I held my senior's hand, he held my hand back. I still feel that feeling. I want to meet my senior and catch up. I came to think of it, and one day I had a dream of fighting on the same world stage. "
He said, "I wanted to talk to my seniors more. I don't want to say goodbye, so thank you for your hard work."
The people who attended after this quietly joined hands and saw off when the car carrying Mr. Koga's sword departed.
Ayumi Tanimoto "I want to convey the heart of Professor Koga"
Ayumi Tanimoto, who won the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics under the guidance of Mr. Koga, said, "Suddenly, it doesn't become a word. Fun and strict things are running around as treasures in me. Even on the stage of the Olympics, I had the strongest desire to meet the expectations of Professor Koga. "
After that, he said, "I've told you that I've taught you everything, so I'll connect to you next. I want to convey the heart of Professor Koga to judoka not only in Japan but around the world." ..
Ryoko Tani "Judoka loved by judoka and fans around the world"
Ryoko Tani, a gold medalist who participated in the Olympics with Mr. Koga, said, "I have been a longing since I was a junior high school student, and I was a senior who really served as a model. I learned not only judo but also the warmth of the human heart. I was grateful.
He said, "I was a judoka who was really loved by judoka and many fans all over the world. I think my senior judo and his kindness and smile will continue to shine."
Mr. Tadahiro Nomura "I will take over the will of my seniors"
Tadahiro Nomura, who won the gold medal for the third consecutive tournament from the Atlanta Olympics, which he participated in with Mr. Koga, said, "It was really a strong presence for us. I can't believe he died this year. He is a great champion I longed for, and I think he will be able to pass on his thoughts on judo and his daring victory. "
Regarding his memories with Mr. Koga, he said, "I was able to become a champion because I learned how to fight together in Atlanta and how to tackle it." I will carry on the wishes of my seniors who have been handed down. "