Judoka Sanshiro Murao “Using the frustration on the big stage as fuel to aim for the next victory and heights”[Challengers of Creation #95]| Pen Online

This summer, <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/04/tokyo-olympics-representative-selection-meeting-judo-grand-slam-osaka-program-guide-g-guide%e6%94%be%e9%80%81%e5%b1%80%e5%85%ac%e5%bc%8f%e6%83%85%e5%a0%b1%e6%ba%80%e8%bc%89/" title="Tokyo Olympics representative selection meeting Judo Grand Slam Osaka-Program guide. G guide[放送局公式情報満載]”>Sanshiro Murao left a vivid impression and lasting impression at the Paris Olympics judo competition, which generated various dramas. Undaunted by his first appearance on the big stage, he came within one step of the Tokyo Olympics gold medalist and won the silver medal in the men’s 90kg class, which is said to be the world’s most competitive class. In the mixed team competition, they participated in three matches, including the final against France, and won all of them, contributing to Japan’s silver medal. Above all, in modern judo, which tends to be all about battles between grapplers, he develops a style of judo that involves tightly grappling and throwing with sharp techniques, and he also praises the loser without showing any emotion over the outcome, which gives a sense of dignity. , which attracted the viewers. Although Murao shined brightly by embodying the ideal of Japanese judo, no matter how much praise he receives, he is far from satisfied.

“The finish to the tournament was good, and I think it was one of the best matches I’ve played so far.However, what I was looking for was a win, so I’m disappointed in myself for not getting the results. I thought I was the kind of person who would win at the Olympics, and I feel frustrated that I couldn’t achieve it on that occasion, at that moment, and I feel like I’ve done what I did.”

“I thought he was the one to win.” That’s not a big statement. I have worked hard to say that.

I started judo when I was 5 years old. When he was in elementary school, he vowed to become the best in the world. I envisioned it as a clear goal rather than a vague idea.

“When I was in the upper grades of elementary school, I no longer felt like doing judo together and having fun together, but I was practicing judo thinking of it as a way to get stronger.There were many days when I would train or run by myself, and for some reason. I’ve been working on it by having a dialogue with myself, thinking about what I’m doing.”

My desire to become stronger never changed. From junior high school, high school, and university, I chose my career path based on where I could become the strongest, and I lived my life tirelessly and dedicated to judo every day.

“I have always made it a point to not compromise on myself and to stick to my commitments.For example, even if for some reason I am unable to do something that I had decided to do at that time, I always make up for it by doing it that night. There’s a part about his personality, but more than that, I feel like he’s driven by a desire to win.”

After all these efforts, they finally made it to the big stage in Paris.

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I vow again to win the gold medal, but that’s not the goal.

I was unable to fulfill my childhood dream in Paris. However, his desire to become the best in the world will never change. The loss has made him stronger.

“When I returned to Japan, I was actually planning to take a month’s break.However, even after about a week, the image of losing in the finals was still stuck in my head, and I couldn’t get rid of the hazy feeling, so I started practicing again early.”

Her current goal is to win a gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. However, that is not the goal.

“As a judoka, I place importance on aiming high and pursuing strength. Of course, winning matches is important, but beyond that, I think, ‘That player is definitely the strongest in the world right now.’ The ideal I’m pursuing is to become a player that people think of me as a player that no one else can reach.In order to reach that goal, I think I’ll just have to keep working hard and win the gold medal in Los Angeles. Even if I do, I don’t plan on stopping there, and I’m sure there’s still a lot more I can do in the future.In terms of the Olympics, it’s Brisbane in 2032, and if I still have the desire to be a judoka there. I want to aim for the next one when I turn 36.”

There is a phrase that Murao has cherished since his high school days: “Be Real.”

“These are words written on the shirt that a boxer named Mike Tyson wears during his matches.I have interpreted the meaning of “become real” in my own way, and I hope that it will bring life to the people watching, or something like that. I came here because I wanted to be a player that people could feel.It’s not just about going out and winning, it’s about what you’re thinking about going into the match and what you’ve prepared for to win. I think that’s why I value my demeanor during games.”

Pursuing the ideal figure and aiming for the real thing, Murao pushes forward.

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WORKS
paris 2024 olympics

They won silver medals in both the individual and team competitions. In the individual competition, he won by foul in the quarterfinals, and won by one match in the semifinals. In the final, she will face Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Rasha Bekauri (Georgia). They competed evenly until the end, but lost their wazaari at the end and unfortunately lost.

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Grand Slam Tokyo 2023

He was selected to represent the Paris Olympics in August 2023, and the tournament was held in December of that year. If he advances, he will face the same year’s world champion Luka Maisladze (Georgia) in the final. After extra time, he defeated him with his specialty Uchimata and won all by ippon. It shows the growth.

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2022 All Japan Student Judo Championship Tournament

He participated in the team competition as captain of Tokai University. The final against Kokushikan University turned into a national team match, where Murao faced off against Tachi Saito, who later represented the over 100kg team at the Paris Olympics. “This was a match where I showed a little bit of perspective,” he said, winning the championship by defeating an opponent who weighed more than 80 kg.