Last summer’s Tokyo Olympics totaled 1,423.8 billion yen, about twice the amount estimated at the bid stage. Not only the donburi account, but also the corruption scandal of Don, the organizing committee of the tournament, and the sponsor company was discovered. While there are some who benefit from the Olympics, among the athletes who are aiming for the city of flowers, Paris, in two years time, there are those who are forced to carry out tough sales activities. I approached the troubling reality of “poorness slows you down”.
Last summer’s Tokyo Olympics boasted a record rush of 58 medals, including 27 gold medals. Even if there is a bribery incident related to the selection of sponsors behind the scenes. The social affairs desk of the national newspaper explains with a sigh.
Haruyuki Takahashi (78), who was a director of the organizing committee of the tournament, is suspected of receiving a bribe of 51 million yen in return for the convenience of the Olympic official supporter contract with the major men’s clothing company AOKI Holdings. “
The arrest play of the “fixer of the sports world” who had a profound impact on the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup and the 1991 World Championships in Athletics in Tokyo. No one could have imagined that the company that produced the official white jacket and red bottoms, which could be said to be the symbol of the Japanese team, was involved in fraud.
“In the future, the illegal flow of money that has been reported in some media is scheduled to be thoroughly washed by the prosecution. It is said that former gymnast Rie Tanaka (35) was selected as a director because of Takahashi’s bravery. It seems that the problem will spread to former athletes who were involved in other Olympics.” (Society Department Desk)
A wad of bills fluttering behind the festival that looked gorgeous. There are many athletes who are forced to live in poverty, ignoring the self-interested people involved in the tournament. The best example of this is said to be the judo world. The Shibu quality of the All Japan Judo Federation, which oversees it, is visible and hidden. The sports paper desk reveals.
“The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) gives a reward of 5 million yen for a gold medal, 2 million yen for a silver medal, and 1 million yen for a bronze medal. It is said that it is to pool the training costs for expeditions and training camps, but the frustration of the judokas who have won medals cannot be alleviated.”
Among them, Wolf Aron (26), a gold medalist in the men’s 100-kilogram class of judo, is increasing his media appearances and earning extra income. Kodokan officials talk.
“It is in demand mainly for variety shows such as ‘Shabekuri 007’ on August 22nd and ‘Itte Q to the End of the World’ on June 12th (both on NTV). It is said that the price is kept to about 50,000 to 100,000 yen per piece, but the real intention is that they want to sell their face in anticipation of a second career after retirement.”
Unexpectedly, Wolf found himself at a crossroads in his career.
“Although I have expressed my desire to participate in the Paris Olympics in 2024, I will miss the “All Japan Invitational Weight Category Championships” in April, which was my first actual competition after the Olympics, due to an injury to my right foot. He was excluded from the representatives of the “World Championships” in October.In addition, he will miss the “Asian Championships” held in Kazakhstan in August due to a corona positive test.Rival Kentaro Iida (24) has grown. Since he is in the prime of his career, the yellow light is on even for him to participate in the Paris Olympics, let alone consecutive victories.” (Kodokan official)
On the other hand, Shohei Ohno (30), a men’s 73-kilogram class gold medalist who has not yet declared his challenge to the Paris Olympics, is stuck in a difficult career Y-junction.
“I will participate in the martial arts event “RIZIN”. It is said that there is an amount of 100 million units in anticipation of winning consecutive Olympics. In the past, “K-1” was awarded to Mr. Yasuo Inoue (44) for 2 billion yen. There are rumors that he has made an offer, but many judo medalists have turned to mixed martial arts fighters because of the high fight money.” (Sports Paper Desk)
There are too many Judo practitioners who have made a painful transition after thinking about it, such as Hidehiko Yoshida (52), the gold medalist in the 78-kg class at the Barcelona Olympics, and Satoshi Ishii (35), the gold medalist in the 100-kg class at the Beijing Olympics.
“Even now, the number of lectures held by companies that can earn from 500,000 yen to 1 million yen is shrinking due to the effects of corona. It seems that the trend of changing careers is likely to rekindle.” (Sports Paper Desk)
A gold medalist urgently participates in the year-end martial arts event. Expectations will rise for this unexpected big match…
* “Weekly Asahi Performing Arts” September 8th issue
