The NHK Cup for gymnastics, which also serves as the representative selection for the Tokyo Olympics.
Mai Murakami, who won the women's competition on the 15th for the first time in three years and was appointed as the representative of the Tokyo Olympics, vowed to play an active part in Tokyo with her feelings for her best friend.
“The last three years have been very long”
"It's been a long time since I was injured. I was able to realize that I like gymnastics again."
Murakami said with tears when he won the NHK Cup and was appointed as the representative of the Tokyo Olympics. talked.
NHK Cup two years ago.
A battle for the Japanese national team ahead of the world championship, which requires the right to participate in the Tokyo Olympics group.
Murakami was expected to participate in the world championship as a Japanese ace and win the rights to the Olympics.
However, just before the performance, I hurt my back and fell into a situation where I couldn't even walk.
I sought a way to participate to the last minute while shedding tears, but withdrew from the NHK Cup.
I was not able to participate in the world championship because I was not a representative of Japan.
It was Asuka Teramoto, Murakami's best friend, who was inspired by the World Championship, which was to fight in the absence of Ace.
Two people who contributed to the 4th place at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
It's a relationship where you can talk about anything, even if you're a private person.
Teramoto called out to Murakami, who was disappointed and shed tears.
"I will definitely get the right to participate, so let's go to the Tokyo Olympics together."
Despite suffering, Teramoto put the team together and finished 11th in the group to get the right to participate in the Olympics.
Murakami is said to have strengthened his feelings for the Olympics by watching the appearance on the TV screen.
The representative selection of the Tokyo Olympics, which started in earnest from last month's All Japan Championship.
Murakami won the All Japan Championship and the NHK Cup and won the national ticket.
On the other hand, Teramoto broke his left foot Achilles Ken in February last year and couldn't regain his original performance.
The Tokyo Olympics will fight without Teramoto.
The 24-year-old Japanese ace vowed to play an active part on the stage where he dreamed of participating together with his feelings for his best friend.
"Because Asuka has put the team together so far, we were able to perform ourselves with peace of mind. In return for what we have left up to now, it is my turn to perform well at the Olympics. . I am aware that I will pull Japan and win a medal. "