The practices of the swimmers selected to be on the Japanese national swimming team at the Paris Olympics were shown to the press, and Rikako Ikee, who will be competing in her third consecutive Olympics, said, ``I want to become an athlete who will make people think, ``Ikee has returned to the world.'' I want to go to Paris," he said, expressing his determination.
The Japan Swimming Federation selected 27 athletes to represent Japan at the Paris Olympics based on the results of the national swimming competition competition held until March 24th, and they began practicing at the National Training Center in Kita Ward, Tokyo on the 30th. It was released to the press.
This time, the Japanese team consisted of a mix of young players and veterans, and on the 30th, they practiced in a relaxed atmosphere, dividing into three teams and participating in relay races.
Ikee: “I feel relieved, but to be honest, it still doesn’t feel real.”
Among them, Ikee, who has been selected to represent the women's 100m butterfly in an individual event for the first time since the Rio de Janeiro Games, is looking to improve her endurance in the second half of the race and her starting speed in preparation for the Olympics.
Looking back on the national team selection tournament, Ikee said, ``In the 100m butterfly final, I was very disappointed that my time was not better than before and that I came in second place.I felt relieved that I was selected to be on the national team. But, to be honest, I haven't really felt it yet. If I continue to practice hard, I think I'll start to realize that I'm a representative of the Paris Olympics."
He has been based in Australia since last fall, and says that his mental health has improved, and that, ``It made me realize that I really love swimming again.''I realized that it was necessary for me to make a drastic change in my environment. "I think so," he said of his changes.
At the Paris Olympics, he set his goals to advance to the finals and beat his own time at the Rio de Janeiro Games. ``I want to become the kind of player that people think I am, completely different from last year,'' and head to Paris,'' he said with determination.
Akira Honda: ``I want to sort out what I've been doing and make money.''
Akira Honda, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics who was selected to represent the men's 200m butterfly in this event, said of the competition he attended with an injured left ankle, ``I was in pain, worried, and wondering what to do. I was really happy that I got the job offer, even though I had some problems with it," he said once again expressing his joy.
On the other hand, regarding the fact that he lost to his junior at university, Genki Terakado, and came in second place, he said, ``It was the first time I lost in this event domestically since the Tokyo Olympics, so I was very disappointed. I had a clear goal in mind, but this time I went into the competition with the mindset of just getting through the selection competition. Losing made me realize that, so I would like to consider this as an opportunity," he said, vowing to use the loss as motivation. Ta.
Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, he said, ``At the time of the Tokyo Games, I didn't know anything and was like, ``Okay, I'm done!'' But three years later, I've learned a lot, worried, and thought a lot. However, I would like to review what I have done so far and win the gold medal.''
Satomi Suzuki “Challenge to see how far you can push your limits”
33-year-old Satomi Suzuki, who has been selected to represent Japan in two events, the women's 100m breaststroke and 200m breaststroke, said, ``I feel fresh again for my third Olympics. "I don't have any, but right now I'm really looking forward to trying to see how far I can push my limits. My goal remains the same, and I want to push forward on my own path, aiming to break my personal record." I did.
In the 100m breaststroke at the national team selection event, I outpaced Reoki Aoki, my rival and Japanese record holder, who was also selected to make the national team. I think we've reached the point where we can aim for the podium together, so I want to run our own race without worrying about each other.''
On the other hand, regarding the many young players, including high school students, joining the national team, he said, ``I can see that they are nervous, but the team is cheerful and has an innocent attitude.From my position, I am watching over them, and I want everyone to be able to relax.'' I want you to have fun taking on the challenge at the Olympics," he said, encouraging him.
The captain is Naoki Mizunuma, who has been selected for the men's 100m butterfly.
It has been decided that 27-year-old Naoki Mizunuma, who was selected to compete in the men's 100m butterfly, will serve as the captain of Japan's swimming team at the Paris Olympics.
Mizunuma, a native of Tochigi Prefecture and currently training in Niigata Prefecture, won a silver medal at the World Championships a year ago, and has secured a ticket to his second consecutive Olympic Games following the Tokyo Games.
Mizunuma said, ``I want to make use of my experience so far.I will move with the image of pushing everyone's backs well.There are many young players, so I will communicate well and create a comfortable team. I want to,” he commented.
Also, 27-year-old Katsuo Matsumoto, who has been selected to represent the national team in the men's 200m freestyle and 100m butterfly, was chosen as vice captain.