Fukuzato wins silver medal in World Masters Athletics Championships

Fukuzato wins silver medal in World Masters Athletics Championships

Takeshi Fukuzato won a silver medal in the World Masters Athletics Championships 100-meter dash (Photograph provided by Takeshi Fukuzato).


October 21, 2013 Ryukyu Shimpo

The World Masters Athletics Championships 2013 have been held in Porto Alegre, Brazil. On October 19, Takeshi Fukuzato, originally from Kumejima, won a silver medal the men’s age 40-44 100-meter dash with a time of 11.12 seconds. Former Japanese decathlon champion and TV personality So Takei came fourth, with a time of 11.15 seconds.

This was the first time for Fukuzato to take part in the world championships. He said, “Competing in the championships has made me grow stronger.” In semi-finals, Fukuzato came fifth, afterwards saying, “That race did not go as I intended.” In the final, he decided to run in a more relaxed way, which allowed him to run faster at the end of the race.

Many people helped Fukuzato take part in the championships. Friends and supporters back in his hometown of Kumejima Island donated money for the long trip from Okinawa to Brazil. Members of his family, his coach and the people at work also helped him take part.

On top of managing a call center, teaching at a professional school and working at a sports club, Fukuzato took time from his busy schedule to train for the championship. The 42-year-old, who intends to continue to push himself, said, “By winning a silver medal, I hope that I have done something to express my gratitude to those who supported me.”

(English translation by T&CT, Mark Ealey)

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