Japan judo dynasties: Tani Beijing-bound, Nomura bows out
The Associated Press
Published: April 8, 2008
The Associated Press
Published: April 8, 2008
TOKYO: Japan's judo world is getting a pre-Beijing shakeup.
Ryoko Tani, Japan's biggest judo star, is on something of a losing streak but will be going to the Olympics this summer. Tadahiro Nomura, a three-time gold medalist, won't get a shot at an unprecedented fourth, however. And heavyweight Kosei Inoue is still fighting for a slot.
Japan named most of its judo team for the Beijing Olympics this week after a major invitational tournament in the southern city of Fukuoka. While there is no dearth of depth, the list raises some concerns for those hoping the country that created judo will be able to repeat its record haul of gold in Athens four years ago.
Tani, who has won Olympic gold twice and is on her way to her fifth straight Games, topped the list of experienced judoka on the team.
But at 32 and a mother since 2005, she is not nearly as invincible as she was once believed to be — and is not seen as an overwhelming favorite for this year's gold.
Ryoko Tani, Japan's biggest judo star, is on something of a losing streak but will be going to the Olympics this summer. Tadahiro Nomura, a three-time gold medalist, won't get a shot at an unprecedented fourth, however. And heavyweight Kosei Inoue is still fighting for a slot.
Japan named most of its judo team for the Beijing Olympics this week after a major invitational tournament in the southern city of Fukuoka. While there is no dearth of depth, the list raises some concerns for those hoping the country that created judo will be able to repeat its record haul of gold in Athens four years ago.
Tani, who has won Olympic gold twice and is on her way to her fifth straight Games, topped the list of experienced judoka on the team.
But at 32 and a mother since 2005, she is not nearly as invincible as she was once believed to be — and is not seen as an overwhelming favorite for this year's gold.
She had a bad day on Sunday, losing in the under 48-kilogram final to Emi Yamagishi, who beat her on points. It was the second year in a row that Tani had failed to win the National Weight Class Invitational tournament title.
Still, she tried to be upbeat.
"This was a good experience for me," Tani said. "I hope to improve as I prepare for Beijing."
Nomura, in the 60-kg class, was an even bigger surprise.
He has won every Olympics since Atlanta. But at 33 and nursing a bad knee, he was defeated in the semifinals Sunday by Daisuke Asano. Judo officials then announced he would not be on the Beijing squad, and Nomura now says he is considering retirement.
"It's on my mind," he told local reporters.
But he added that he didn't want to go out with a whimper.
Inoue, the Sydney Olympics heavyweight gold medalist, won his class on Sunday, but will have to wait for the final qualifier, on April 29 in Tokyo, to seal his berth on the Olympic team.
He appears to be in good form — he won the Fukuoka title with a textbook-perfect throw one minute, 29 seconds into the match.
Japan won a record eight gold medals in Athens.
Other Athens gold winners Masato Uchishiba at 66 kg and Keiji Suzuki at 100 kg and women Ayumi Tanimoto (63 kg) and Masae Ueno (70 kg) made the team and will be looking for repeats.
Still, she tried to be upbeat.
"This was a good experience for me," Tani said. "I hope to improve as I prepare for Beijing."
Nomura, in the 60-kg class, was an even bigger surprise.
He has won every Olympics since Atlanta. But at 33 and nursing a bad knee, he was defeated in the semifinals Sunday by Daisuke Asano. Judo officials then announced he would not be on the Beijing squad, and Nomura now says he is considering retirement.
"It's on my mind," he told local reporters.
But he added that he didn't want to go out with a whimper.
Inoue, the Sydney Olympics heavyweight gold medalist, won his class on Sunday, but will have to wait for the final qualifier, on April 29 in Tokyo, to seal his berth on the Olympic team.
He appears to be in good form — he won the Fukuoka title with a textbook-perfect throw one minute, 29 seconds into the match.
Japan won a record eight gold medals in Athens.
Other Athens gold winners Masato Uchishiba at 66 kg and Keiji Suzuki at 100 kg and women Ayumi Tanimoto (63 kg) and Masae Ueno (70 kg) made the team and will be looking for repeats.
FONTE: International Herald Tribune - France
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