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JOC・P&G "Bond Talk Show: Moms and Athletes" Athlete Kyoko Hamaguchi says "Thank you!" three times
P&G (Procter & Gamble Japan), a Worldwide Partner of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and the International Olympic Committee, held the "JOC-P&G Family Project 'Mom and Athlete Bond Talk Show'" on July 26 at the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Kita Ward, Tokyo.
As the "Official Sponsor of Moms" supporting mothers who strive for their families, the company has been running this project with the JOC since 2012 to deepen family bonds through the Olympics. This talk show marks the fifth installment.
Related article: P&G Launches Full-Scale "Official Sponsor of Moms" Campaign Ahead of Rio Games[May 9, 2016]
This time's guests were Kyoko Hamaguchi, a women's wrestler who won bronze medals at both the Athens and Beijing Olympics, and her mother, Hatsue.
Ms. Hamaguchi took the stage in a cute dress, a stark contrast to her competition attire, and shared a warm, close-knit mother-daughter conversation.
She began wrestling because she admired her father and wanted to become a professional wrestler. Her mother guided her, suggesting wrestling as the foundation for learning the basics. She quickly showed promise and became increasingly immersed in the sport.
Hatsue recalled, "I was always worried seeing her after practice, but I just hoped she'd enjoy it without getting hurt." Kyoko reflected, "The conversations with my mom when she picked me up after practice were my moments of peace." She then mused, "Looking back on my career, I fought in wrestling while my mom fought at home," expressing gratitude for her mother's multifaceted support.
She confessed that her mother was the only person she could vent to about wrestling struggles, while her father was always the one to scold her. "At home, though, mother and daughter team up against Dad," she added with a laugh.
Regarding the Olympics, she revealed that while she felt immense pressure not just from her own dream but also from wanting to meet the expectations of those around her, her mother's presence was a special source of solace.
She also shared an amusing anecdote: when Hatsue herself traveled to overseas competitions, she would hand out snacks to the children around her, asking them to cheer for Hamaguchi alongside her.
Kyoko cited "personal effort, family unity, and gratitude toward her mother" as key points for Olympic success. "My mother always fought alongside me," she said. "From now on, I want to relax a little and enjoy time with my family." Then, filled with gratitude, she lifted her mother high and shouted "Thank you!" three times instead of "Let's go!" Hatsue-san joined in, and they concluded by calling out to the mothers of the Rio Olympic Japanese team, "Thank you for always supporting us!"
P&G Campaign Site: https://www.myrepi.com/olympic2016
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