``Time to compete''
Ryuji Miura, the Japanese record holder for the men's 3000m hurdles. The 22-year-old is rewriting Japan's history in this event one after another on the world stage. At the Tokyo Olympics, which he competed in as a 19-year-old second-year university student, he placed 7th, becoming the first Japanese athlete to win a prize.
After graduating from university this spring, Miura took his next step toward winning a medal at the Paris Games, his second Olympics.
(Sports News Department Reporter Atsuto Furuken)
table of contents
◇◇Interview story◇◇
[Basic Information] Ryuji Miura Player
table of contents
table of contents
◇◇Interview story◇◇
[Basic Information] Ryuji Miura Player
A strong spring that supports running power
Miura's Japanese record for the men's 3000m steeplechase is 8 minutes 9.91 seconds.
Three years ago, when I was 19 years old, I broke the Japanese record for the first time, and as of last year I have broken the record four times.
A strong spring supports the slender Miura's running.
The spring and wide range of motion of the hip joint create dynamic running with a wide stride.
Features of jumping technique
Miura's strength lies in his skill in jumping over obstacles.
The 3,000-meter obstacle course is a grueling race in which participants must jump over 28 obstacles over 90 centimeters and seven water jumps at high speed. Generally, in a 3000 meter obstacle course, the running speed decreases before the obstacle.
However, Miura is said to be able to jump over obstacles even if he accelerates in front of him by making use of his natural springiness.
In the past, I used to jump with small strides and pitches, but the amount of time I lost was an issue, so after I entered Juntendo University, I took the advice of my coach and changed the way I jumped.
He says he has honed his ability to get a sense of distance from obstacles and match his stride while running.
Ryuji Miura:
``When you approach an obstacle, everyone slows down, so if you can accelerate, it's a small difference, but you have the advantage of being able to move forward, and it becomes a good cycle.Including the psychological effect. It was a good idea to accelerate.”
Taking a new step this spring
Participated in Hakone Ekiden 1st ward (January 2024)
In his university's track and field club, Miura participated not only in the 3,000-meter steeplechase but also in relay races and other events, and served as captain in his fourth year.
This spring, I graduated from university and entered the corporate world.
Our goal is to win a medal at the Paris Olympics, which will be a milestone year, and write a new piece of history.
``I think this is the first year of graduating from university and becoming an athlete on a corporate team.It's the first step to starting a new track and field career.''
Powerful foreign forces standing in the way
Our rivals are powerful overseas forces.
At last year's World Championships, I was bounced off that high wall.
World Championship Men's 3000m Steeplechase Final (August 2023)
In the final, he was able to stay with the top group until two laps remaining, but from then on he was separated by the overseas competitors who picked up the pace.
6th place at the World Championship (August 2023)
Even just before the finish line, I was passed by one person and finished in 6th place.
He says he felt a big difference in the last spurt.
"I lacked the speed and sharpness in the last part. I will overcome the challenges in the last 1,000 meters and aim for a medal."
Toward the goal of winning a medal
So, this winter, Miura worked on long-distance running.
By running 600 to 700 km a month, he strengthened his stamina to handle the challenges of overseas athletes.
I've also put a lot of effort into training to strengthen my explosive power and core strength in order to get that last spurt.
"I'm focusing on strengthening the basic physical aspects. I'm looking for something that will give me a hint of the explosive movement at the end."
The Paris Olympics are a “time of battle”
At the Paris Olympics, he will hone his last spurt and take on the challenge of ``producing a result that satisfies him.''
It looks like it will be the perfect stage for Miura to make a new history.
``It's the first step to a new stage, but I think it's also a time for competition, so I want to leave behind one unprecedented harvest and result.While I've gained experience and practiced and worked on various things, I want to be able to go in with confidence, and I think all that's left is to really do it.''
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Miura analyzes his own personality as ``at his own pace,'' and says that even in overseas tournaments, he is able to approach tournaments in his own style without being influenced by the atmosphere of the venue.
Last year, when I interviewed him eating at a yakiniku restaurant near the university with his fellow track and field club members, he showed his attentive side, even though he was a senior, as he shared the meat and salad.
One of Miura's teammates said, ``He's very humble and doesn't get too proud even after winning a match.He's great at track and field, of course, but I respect his humanity.''
(Broadcast on "News Watch 9" on March 26, 2024)
[Basic Information] Ryuji Miura Player
Tokyo Olympics 7th place (2021)
▽Date of birth: February 11, 2002
▽Birthplace: Shimane Prefecture
▽Main achievements:
・7th place at the Tokyo Olympics
・6th place at the World Championships 2023
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