Swimmer Rikako Ikee attended the graduation ceremony of Japan University and reflected on her university life, which she battled illness, saying, "I experienced life or death, and it was a fulfilling four years than anyone else."
The graduation ceremony of Japan University was held at the Japan Budokan in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo on the 25th.
Ikee of the Faculty of Sports Sciences was diagnosed with leukemia in February, just before entering university, and was hospitalized for about 2 months to battle the disease, but after returning to competition, she competed in the relay event at the 10 Tokyo Olympics.
At the graduation ceremony, Ikee was presented with the President's Award for his outstanding achievements in sports activities, and received a certificate on behalf of the winners.
After the ceremony, Ikee shared her frank thoughts, saying, "I couldn't attend my high school graduation ceremony and university entrance ceremony, and the last event was this graduation ceremony, but I was welcomed in good health, and I am relieved to have successfully completed my four years."
Based on his battle with the disease, he reflected, "There were more difficult times, and I spent four years thinking about various things while worrying about what I should be.
Regarding the Tokyo Olympics, where he returned to competition and participated, he said, "It was a Japan championship that doubled as a selection process, and I simply wanted to enjoy it and go into it with a feeling of 'now,' which led to the Olympics. I was able to get results by working hard, and it will be a source of food for my future life."
On top of that, she set a goal as a member of society to "become a woman who can be admired," and said, "I learned a lot from swimming and illness, and I may have become a little kinder. I would like to give back to various people with the intention of giving back to those who encouraged me during my difficult times."