Paralympian gets back on track

The Yomiuri Shimbun Paralympian Atsushi Yamamoto has returned to the athletics track after competing in snowboarding at the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics in March 2018.

The 36-year old athlete, who won silver in the men’s long jump at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, has begun training for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. He participated in the recent Oda Memorial Meet in April, and the Shizuoka International Meet on May 3, in the 100 meters for athletes with limb deficiencies. They were his first competitive track and field races since last autumn, but he looked in great condition.

“I was able to regain my sense for athletics. I look forward to trying a new running form and artificial leg,” he said. 

In autumn last year, Yamamoto quit his job and decided to become a professional athlete, which is rare among Paralympians. Since the beginning of 2018, he has been engaged in such activities as giving lectures and visiting special-needs schools. “I want to continue doing things that only I can do,” Yamamoto said. His sense of responsibility as a leading Paralympian appears to be what is fueling his endeavors.