Shintaro Sato (4th-year, Faculty of Policy Management), Kana Yoshikawa (3rd-year, Faculty of Policy Management), and Taku Kubota (2nd-year, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies) Excel at the All Japan Student Alpine Championships

March 12, 2019

From left: Yoshikawa, Sato, Kubota

At the 34th All Japan Student Alpine Championships (Technical Events) Giant Slalom, held from February 4 to 8 at the Pine Beak Oomatsu Ski Resort in Sugadaira Kogen, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, SFC students from the Athletic Association Ski Team won both the men's and women's titles and secured a one-two finish in the men's event. This competition determines the true number one individual student champion, and this marks the first time Keio students have won.

[Men's]

Winner: Shintaro Sato (4th-year, Faculty of Policy Management)

Runner-up: Taku Kubota (2nd-year, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies)

[Women's]

Winner: Kana Yoshikawa (3rd-year, Faculty of Policy Management)

I am very happy to have become the number one in Japan at this competition for the first time since high school. The Keio University Athletic Association Ski Team is currently in the second division of the Intercollegiate Championships, so I really wanted to win this competition, as it was my last chance to become the student champion of Japan. It was amazing to secure a one-two finish with Kubota, who I've been training hard with since the summer. I want to thank everyone who supports our team. I look forward to the future success of my junior teammates.

I had a slow start, finishing 11th in the first run, so I had no choice but to go on the offensive in the second run. I skied aggressively and ended up posting the fastest time for the second run, allowing me to make a huge comeback and win. I was so happy because this is my first title.

I entered this competition with the goal of winning all four races, but I'm very frustrated that I couldn't beat our captain, Shintaro Sato, and didn't win a single one. Next year, I'll aim to win all four titles and work hard to build good momentum toward winning the Intercollegiate Championships.

Overview of the 34th All Japan Student Alpine Championships (Technical Events)

Men's GS Results

Women's GS Results

Source: General Affairs, Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC) Office