Enthusiasm in Gold Medals

Whether or not encouraging nationalistic sentiment, news organization in Japan keep on delivering stories about Japanese athletes in Rio de Janeiro Olympic from another side of the Earth. As of Thursday, Japan obtained six gold medals, which was relatively recognized as good start. While Japan was excellent in some games in which it had traditionally been superior, new comers appeared in others. Quadrennial summer madness goes on.

It is notable that Japanese judo team is making great advance. In men’s 73 kg class, Shohei Ono made a beautiful sweep. Although it was the first opportunity of being Olympic athlete, Ono was as cool-headed as winning four matches out of all five with ippon. “I’m feeling relieved rather than achieved, because I’ve been seeking overwhelming power to defeat,” told Ono to the reporters.

Haruka Tachimoto in women’s 70 kg class and Mathew Baker in men’s 90 kg followed Ono. Tachimoto showed prominent rise from the position without being seeded. After the scandal of sexual harassment by male coaches three years ago, women judo team has been in a serious slump. Tachimoto brought the light on her teammates. On the same day, Baker became the first Japanese winner in 90 kg class. After the victory, he thanked his mother who raised him alone after his American father left them. Japanese men’s judo team marked resurrection from miserable defeat in London with no gold medal four years ago.

Japanese gymnastic team won gold medal for the first time since Athens Olympic twelve years ago. Headed by captain Kohei Uchimura, each member of Japan team stably played given roles. Yusuke Tanaka compensated miss of Uchimura in horizontal bar. Kenzo Shiral showed good performance in floor and vault. Japan turned Russia over in the last game.

Even under pressure on defending champion, Uchimura was successful in securing gold medal in men’s individual all-around for two consecutive Olympics. After defeating Oleg Verniaiev from Ukraine with final turnover in his perfect performance at horizontal bar, Uchimura told with bright smile that he was just exhausted with close and hard match.

One thing hopeful for Japan’s swimming team, Kosuke Hagino won first gold medal in 400-meter individual medley, in which another Japanese swimmer, Daiya Seto, took the bronze. Although Japan team has achieved status in breaststroke, it has been far from being a titlist in some games with free style.