A busy life after the Olympics
This time, the talk show was sponsored by Lovespo, an information site that aims to improve the happiness level of Japan through sports. When Tsunoda appeared on stage at the invitation of Yasushi Shimomura, the MC, the venue erupted in applause.
When asked about winning the gold medal in Paris at the beginning, Tsunoda commented, “More than being happy, I felt more relieved that I had achieved it.” It has now been more than four months since the Olympics, and he has started to move his body. “I’ve started little by little, and I’ve been practicing today as well,” he said, revealing that he is working towards a return to competition.
After winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, Tsunoda spent his days in demand on TV and at events such as judo classes. Recently, she has been busy working as a model for the apparel brand “23 Ward” and appearing in a Lawson commercial for the first time. When asked about the changes in his life after the Olympics, Tsunoda said, “I’m still not used to it.” Although he seemed confused, “I learned that there is so much of the world that I don’t know about.” Regarding the magnitude of the response after the Olympics, he said, “I’m still not used to it.” Mentioned.
Photographed by the author
Class change decided before the Tokyo Olympics
During the event, Tsunoda talked about his path to competing in the Olympics. With Tsunoda’s sights set on competing in the Tokyo Olympics, he was in fierce competition with powerful athletes such as Uta Abe, who had emerged as a promising young athlete in the same weight class, and Ai Shishime, who boasted a gold medal record at the World Judo Championships.
Meanwhile, before the Tokyo Olympics, he decided to change his weight class from 52kg to 48kg, marking a turning point for him as an athlete. However, he was unsuccessful in the selection process for the Tokyo Olympics, and as he was now in his late 20s and approaching his 30s, his path to the Paris Olympics was not a smooth one.
Tsunoda began by saying, “Everything was tough for me,” and added, “I shouldn’t take a break, but if I don’t, I might get injured.When I take a break while thinking about my body, I feel anxious and guilty, but I have to take a break.” I can’t even practice tomorrow.It’s a mental problem. Training and practicing in such a harsh environment made me think, “It’s tough, but if I quit now, I’ll definitely regret it.”I think I spent the year feeling like it was just one more step.” He looked back on the days he spent facing himself and facing conflicts.
And so, at the age of 31 years and 11 months, it was my first Olympics. Aiming to become the oldest female athlete in history to win a gold medal, she won the tournament and reached the top. The first gold medal won by a Japanese athlete at the Paris Olympics was Japan’s 500th at the Summer Olympics, making it a memorial.
During his long career in judo, Tsunoda said, “I wanted to quit judo many times.” Regarding the view he saw on the Olympic podium after going through such difficult times, he said, “I felt that listening to Kimigayo there was completely different from listening to it at other competitions.I’m really glad I didn’t give up.” I felt that on the podium, and although I wanted to give up many times, I was supported by the people around me, and I’m glad I did my best,” he said with deep emotion.
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Photographed by the author
Revealing virtual “Ryoko Tani countermeasures”
After a commemorative photo session with the participants, a question and answer corner was held at the end, where Tsunoda’s coach, Yuko Imai, also took to the stage to participate. The Olympic gold medalist was asked questions unique to fans.
A high school student who participated during the test period asked, “Do you have any recommended study methods?” Tsunoda, who went from Yachiyo High School to the national Tokyo Gakugei University, said, “When I was in high school, I studied by rote,” and added, “My mother and others would ask me questions until I could memorize them. It was quite strict. If I was given a question and couldn’t answer it, it would be until 4 a.m. because I couldn’t finish until I was able to answer it,” he said of his own experience.
Another question was asked about her fellow Olympic 48kg senior, “If you had to fight Ryoko Tani (Tamura) in her prime, how would you fight?” Tsunoda said, “When I was a child, I saw some footage of him competing in the Olympics.However, it wasn’t like there were all the footage left like now.”
When fighting, he revealed that he brings his own style, saying, “He’s very good at technique, so if I were to fight him, I’d keep my distance and not let him get in between.” He added, “I’m the type of person who does judo with my arms, so I’ll try to win with my strength.” “I think so,” he said with a laugh, commenting on the hypothetical “measures against Ryoko Tani.”
At the end of the talk show, Tsunoda expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you for all your support at the Paris Olympics,” and added, “Today I once again realized that I was able to go to the Paris Olympics because of the support of so many people.” I haven’t decided on my future goals yet, but I hope to be active in a variety of fields, so I look forward to your continued support.” The event closed with a commemorative photo taken with all participants, and the event, which lasted approximately two hours, ended with great success.
