October 21, 2014
Three SFC students participated and excelled in the 17th Asian Games, held in Incheon, South Korea, from Friday, September 19 to Saturday, October 4.
● Ryota Yamagata, fourth-year student, Faculty of Policy Management: Track and Field, Men's 100 meters - 6th place
Men's 4x100 meter relay - Runner-up
(Competed as the first runner for the Japanese national team)
● Masahiro Yanagida, fourth-year student, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies: Volleyball, Men's Volleyball - Runner-up
(Competed as a wing spiker for the Japanese national team)
● Manami Doi, third-year student, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies: Sailing, Laser Radial class - Runner-up
Comments from the Athletes
● Masahiro Yanagida (Added October 21)
Our All-Japan men's volleyball team had been aiming for the gold medal in this tournament since our tour of Europe and Brazil in August, so we are extremely disappointed with the silver medal result. Personally, as this was my first international tournament competing with the national team, the environment was different from any volleyball I had played before, and I competed while feeling the pressure of representing my country. I feel that succumbing to this pressure was due to my lack of preparation and mental weakness. I will use this experience as motivation and devote myself to becoming a representative of Japan who can compete in Asia and on the world stage.
● Ryota Yamagata
The results were 6th place in the 100m and 2nd place in the 4x100m relay.
I went into the 100m race intending to win, but the result was a crushing defeat, and I am extremely frustrated. To become the best in Asia, I must take my performance to the next level.
We were also aiming for victory in the relay, so I was not satisfied with the result. However, thanks to the support of many people, I was able to successfully manage the effects of the hip injury I sustained during the 100m race and shift my mindset after the defeat in my individual event. Although we ultimately lost, I am happy that I was able to approach the final race with a very clear and positive state of mind.
Through this tournament, I have developed a resolve to lead the Japanese 4x100m relay team, not just compete as an individual. I now have a flood of ideas about what the current Japanese team is lacking and what I should do as its ace. I will cherish these feelings and not forget them, and in the near future, I will definitely break the area record with my reliable teammates and reclaim the title of "Japan, the best in Asia."
I received messages of encouragement from many people. Thank you also to everyone who cheered for me in front of their TVs.
● Manami Doi
I entered this competition aiming for the gold medal, so I am very disappointed to have finished with a silver.
In this tournament, I had many experiences that are rare in large fleet events like the World Championships.
Situations where I had to compete directly against an opponent, and moments where I had to cover them while still taking my desired course—these aspects were very important in this competition.
What I learned through this tournament is that although the Chinese athlete is ranked about 20 places higher than me in the world rankings, the difference between us comes down to small details.
I want to use the experience from this competition as motivation to train even harder to gain the confidence and courage to fully commit when I go on the offensive.
Thank you for your support.
Following this, the 2014 Asian Para Games will be held from Saturday, October 18 to Friday, October 24 in Incheon, South Korea. Saki Takakuwa (fourth-year, Faculty of Policy Management) from the Track and Field Club will participate in this event in athletics and as the flag bearer. We ask for your continued support and encouragement.
From: General Affairs (Public Relations) Section, Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC) Office