At the Tokyo Paralympics this summer, a training camp for athletics and intellectual disabilities classes, which are expected to win medals, was held, and the athletes competing for the world's top at 1500 meters showed a light run.
Seven people, including athletes who have been appointed as representatives of the para-athletics intellectual disability class, are participating in the training camp held at a training facility in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture, at an altitude of 1750 meters.
This season, Japanese athletes are ranked high in the world ranking at 1500 meters for both men and women, and it is expected that Japan's first medal will be won at the Tokyo Paralympics on land with intellectual disabilities.
For boys, Daiki Akai (22), who is ranked first in the world, and Yuji Togawa (24), who is ranked second in the world, run alternately on a course with a height difference from the track to strengthen endurance in an oxygen-poor environment. Was there.
In addition, Anju Furuya (25), who ranked 3rd in the women's ranking, also showed a light run.
According to the competition group, while the pros and cons of holding the Tokyo tournament were divided, some athletes were confused about continuing to practice, but now they concentrate on the competition by clarifying the goal in front of them. It means that you are doing it.
Akai said, "I have many rivals, so I have to improve my competitiveness. I want to aim for a gold medal in Tokyo."
In addition, Togawa said, "I want to beat Akai in Tokyo Para and be number one. I'm in a position to chase, so I can set goals."