PyeongChang Paralympics Close Japanese Athletes Excel, Boosting Bonus Pay
The PyeongChang Paralympics concluded on March 18.
A record 49 countries and regions participated, with approximately 570 athletes competing in 80 events across 6 sports.
The closing ceremony was held at the PyeongChang Olympic Stadium, where the Paralympic flag was handed over to Beijing, the host city of the next Winter Games.
Japan's 38 athletes competed in five sports, excluding curling. They won a total of 10 medals (3 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze) in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding, significantly exceeding their goal of surpassing their performance at the previous Sochi Games.
Among them, alpine skier Momoka Muraoka stood out, winning five medals in a single Winter Games—the most ever by a Japanese athlete. Japan ranked 9th in the overall medal count. (1st: USA, 2nd: NPA, 3rd: Canada)
At the closing of the PyeongChang Games, Yoshiro Mori, President of the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, commented: "At a time when the value of the Games and sport itself is being questioned, the sight of athletes challenging their limits and the behavior of competitors congratulating each other after matches moved people's hearts and proved the power of sport. The achievements of the Japanese athletes have made people look forward to the Tokyo Games even more. The world's gaze will now turn to Tokyo. We will carry forward the passion and enthusiasm of PyeongChang as we prepare for the Games."
■ Japanese Olympic Team Disbandment Ceremony
On March 19, the disbandment ceremony for the Japanese National Team was held at Hotel New Otani in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.
Japan Paralympic Committee (JPC) President Mitsunori Toriwara praised the brilliant results, stating, "I express my respect for the athletes' courage and determination, and for the team spirit of the entire delegation, including the team leader and coaches. Their achievements this time undoubtedly made a significant contribution to the 2020 Games."
Medalists commented: "We used the frustration from Sochi as motivation," "It was wonderful that everyone gave their all, not just winning medals," and "We aim for gold medals at the next Beijing Games."
Captain Satoru Sudo (ice hockey) stated, "I'm delighted we achieved good results despite the unstable weather. While I felt the need for generational change among the athletes is a challenge, I believe we conveyed the greatness of para sports."
Team Leader Dai-Nichi Co., Ltd. Kuniko Ohinata remarked, "A major achievement was seeing our young athletes grow throughout the Games. The spectators and volunteers were outstanding, and we gained much by learning from the world's top athletes. The Paralympics have reached a level where victory requires every gear to mesh perfectly. I hope our athletes will continue striving."
■ Press Conference
At the outset, JPC Vice Chairman Hidemi Takahashi announced increased bonus payments for medalists: gold medals from ¥1.5 million to ¥3 million, silver from ¥1 million to ¥2 million, and bronze from ¥700,000 to ¥1 million. He explained, "While we had planned to implement these increases starting with the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, we decided to bring them forward to connect the outstanding performances at this Games to the Tokyo event."
Regarding his goal for four years from now, Muraoka stated, "I want to aim for gold in every event I compete in," and when asked what he wanted to do now, he made everyone laugh by saying, "I want to take a vacation and get some sleep."
When asked how they would use the bonus, Morii Daiki (Alpine Skiing), who enjoys photography, looked at the reporters' cameras and lightened the mood by saying, "I might just buy a new one." Nitta Yoshihiro (Cross-Country Skiing) said, "I'm often away from home, so I want to take my family on a trip." Regarding the bonus increase, Muraoka said, "I'm happy because I feel it's a result of para sports gaining that level of recognition."
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