In the Tokyo Paralympic Athletics Women's Long Jump, Visually Impaired Class Final, Chiaki Takada set a new Japanese record of 4 meters and 74 centimeters, finishing fifth.
Two Olympians who supported the leap
Although Takada did not reach the long-sought medal, the background to the rise from 8th place in the previous Rio de Janeiro tournament was the presence of two Olympians who supported him.
Takada, who lost his eyesight due to illness at the age of 18, started the competition nine years ago. From 8th place in the previous Rio de Janeiro Games, we have strengthened two points toward winning medals at the Tokyo Games.
One of them is speeding up the run-up. We asked Mr. Shigekazu Omori, who participated in the Olympic Games twice on land for a short distance, for guidance. We have been working on creating a form that can link the upper and lower body well by correcting the way of walking so that it accelerates smoothly and enters the top speed.
Mr. Omori says, "In the last five years, the form has improved and the speed has increased. I think it is a strength to be able to take a longer run than overseas players because I can run straight and fast."
Another point is the improvement of the form of jumping. Takada, who was only able to run and jump as hard as he could, recognized that the challenge was not to successfully connect the run-up to a leap.
I visited another Olympian, Kumiko Ikeda, who participated in the Beijing Olympics. Mr. Imura's record of 6 meters and 86 centimeters in Japan is still the leading figure in the women's long jump that has not been broken.
Takada went from Tokyo to Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, where Mr. Imura is, once every two months to receive guidance. It was pointed out that at the time of the takeoff, I couldn't take full advantage of my speed.
Takada shared the image by touching the physical condition that Mr. Imura demonstrated and having him move his body directly in order to understand the ideal form. Until just before the tournament, I often held training camps with Mr. Imura, and when there were many, I continued to jump 200 times a day to infiltrate my ideal form.
Mr. Imura also said, "By practicing, the level crossing technique has improved and the finish is good."
Takada, who has grown under the guidance of two Olympians, said, "I think that if you can achieve the results of your practice, you will reach the gold medal. Only one person will run and jump, but with the support of Mr. Omori and Mr. Imura, he will stand on this stage. I want to show my full power as a culmination. "