Sayuri Sugimoto, who was the captain of the Japanese national team in the rhythmic gymnastics group of the Tokyo Olympics, and Rie Matsubara, who played three consecutive tournaments, will retire.
This was announced by the Japan Gymnastics Association.
Sugimoto is 25 years old from Aichi prefecture.
With long limbs and supple movements that make use of flexibility, in 2013 while attending high school, a representative candidate of the group joined the selection team to practice.
With strong leadership, he was appointed captain of the team in 2014, leading the team at the young age of 20 at the Rio de Janeiro Games and contributing to the 8th place finish.
In addition, as a captain, he put together a team and contributed greatly to the overall silver medal of the group, which was the first time in 44 years at the adult world championships.
Sugimoto said, "I spent nine years as a member of Fairy Japan, and although I was happy and had a hard time, the days I walked are a treasure for me. From now on, I will make use of my experience and rhythmic gymnastics as a leader. I would like to get involved. "
Matsubara is 28 years old from Gifu prefecture.
He has participated in three consecutive tournaments up to the Tokyo Olympics, and contributed to winning the overall silver medal for the first time in 44 years as the oldest team member in the adult world championships.
Matsubara said, "The days when I worked hard with my friends and worked hard toward my goals are irreplaceable Takaramono. What I have cultivated as a player and the wonderfulness of rhythmic gymnastics. I want to convey it. "
Japan, a rhythmic gymnastics group, was 8th in the Tokyo tournament, but at the world championship held in Kitakyushu last month, the members centered on captains Sugimoto and Matsubara were the "balls" and "hoops" by event.・ Each club has won a bronze medal.