The Japanese national team players who won the gold medal in the softball of the Tokyo Olympics held a meeting all night, and pitcher Yukiko Ueno said, "I'm glad we all worked together to finish with the gold medal." Said joy.
The final of softball was held on the night of the 27th, the fifth day of the tournament, and Japan beat rival America 2-0 to win the gold medal for the first time in 13 years since the Beijing tournament.
Pitcher Ueno, who started the team in four of the six games of this tournament, said, "I got a lot of attention as the first game of the Tokyo Games, and since the opening is Fukushima in the disaster area, I have various thoughts. It started with my back on my back. It was a tournament where I was able to put my thoughts for 13 years into one ball. "
On top of that, he said about winning the gold medal, "I'm glad that all the players and staff worked together to finish with the gold medal. After one night, I felt like I had won the gold medal."
39-year-old pitcher Ueno said about his future competitive life, "I want to keep throwing for a long time because the player I admire has been active even after the age of 40, but I haven't thought about it yet." rice field.
Eri Yamada, who led the team as a captain, said, "I had a lot of pain and pain before the Olympics, but I was able to win the gold medal because I got over it. I wanted to be the light of hope for the people who gave me, so I think I was able to help a little. "
Regarding the fact that softball will not be held at the Paris tournament three years later, he said, "I would like to make softball even more exciting without ending this time so that I can return to the competition again."
20-year-old pitcher Miu Goto, who played a big role in the relief of this tournament, said, "I was able to gain a wonderful experience in many games. It was a lot of fun."
Mana Atsumi, who played well in shorts over and over again, said, "I was able to play the final yesterday with the whole team. There were many tough games, but I'm glad I was able to play without forgetting the fun." I did.
Saki Yamazaki, who made the first hit of the tournament in the final, said, "I couldn't contribute with no hits in the qualifying league, and although there were some difficult parts, I'm glad I got a good result at the last minute."
Nayu Kiyohara, a reserve catcher, said, "I didn't have many chances to participate, but I thought it was my job to raise the pitcher with a bullpen and send it to the mound, so I'm glad I got the gold medal."
Director Reika Utsugi said, "I finally realized that I was in a hurry. I think it was the result of the efforts of all the players, staff, and people involved. I am grateful that I was able to supervise under a wonderful player."
Regarding the fact that pitcher Ueno was pitched again in the 7th inning with a 2-point lead in the final, "To be honest, pitcher Goto's great success in qualifying was unexpected. Pitcher Goto has mental strength. So I bought it and let him throw it in the qualifying. With the big goal of winning the second straight victory, the timing of the American pitching was right for pitcher Goto, so I left it to pitcher Ueno without hesitation at the end. " I was looking back on my own position.
Reminiscent of the locals
Yamato Fujita, who hit three home runs in this tournament and played an active role as a dual wield player in throwing, told a junior in the softball club of a high school in Saga, "Look at us and feel something even a little. I would be happy if you could connect it to the play. "
Minori Naito, who is from the same high school as Fujita, told the citizens of Saga, "Thank you for all your support. I hope everyone smiles when you see this result."