What a spectacular event!
Almost 2,300 athletes were registered for this championship which was shortened from three to two days due to impending typhoon. The event was a huge success in spite of this with many great competitions.
Dozens of championship records as well as twenty-two Japan and one World records were bettered. Yoko Nakano W80ran 3000m in 14:27.49 to better her own 14:47.89 she ran last year. Other Japan record setters were23.86 – Yasuhiro Izumi, M50 in 200m; 13.95 – Yamazaki Makiko, W55in 80mH; 14.81 – Minori Tanaka, W30 in 100mH; 8:17.04 – Suikoshi Makiko, W55 in 2000mSC; 10:04.74 – Sakurai, M45 in 3000mSC; 3.55 – Kato Sachi, M60 in Pole Vault; 16.69 – Shigeko Kamiya, W80in Discus; 45.95 – Hirotsugu Yamada, M75, 64.75 – Hiroaki Doi, M35 in Hammer; 10.01 – Etsuko Ozaki, W60, 10.06 – Koji Konoike, M80, 10.64 – Akiko Honma, W55, 11.64 – Akiko Asahiko, W65, 11.90 – Yuya Mizuho, W40, 14.52 – Hideharu Aoki, M55, 14.68 – Akihiro Yoshida, M50, 15.31 – Kimito Himi, M45, 7.63 – Kiyono Hanai, M85, 8.64 – Terao, M85, 8.75 – Hisako Hitogen, W65 in Triple Jump; 24:41.17 – Kenichi Omori, M55 in 5000mW.
There were tight competitions like 2016 World Leader, Shinji Kawada (M60), 4.89 edgedYoshio Fujii (M60), 4.82 in the Long Jump.
Joy Upshaw (W55), who won 100m in 13.77 (GR), 80mH in 13.22 (GR) and LJ with 4.31, spoke for many with the comments she shared:
Let’s just say: Wow, what a fantastic meet! Japan put on a very organized event. Opening the meet up to foreigners was special. Japan was very welcoming and encouraged athletes from other countries to attend. Many flags were displayed along the railings in colors of Hong Kong, Brazil, USA, Japan, etc. 2300+ athletes participated in the event. 10 full heats of Men’s 45 100m and 3 full heats of women’s 50 100m was a sure sign of active participants!
The warm up track was just 30 meters away. It had complete set of blocks & hurdles for warm ups and was monitored by security & helpful guards. The call room was huge with covered tents and signage of the races in proper order. Translators were available to all that needed help. Everything ran smoothly and very punctual. Water and local oranges were in surplus for all to have. Plastic bags were distributed to all for coverage of backpacks, sweats, etc. ( because of rain). Races were run, announcers on point and results posted on the big screen. Awards were immediately given with a certificate and medal promptly after the event.
The meet management did a great job giving the athletes an experience of a lifetime. Definitely excited to return to another International Meet in Japan!It was great to come from USA “in good-will to Japan”. Bringing ribbons, friendship pins & sportsmanship in our sport!
Apologies for any translation errors in the information above.
Japan Open Masters Athletics Championships official results: Click to View & Click to View
Results in Rankings (will take a little while to translate and convert)