キニ速 | A Japanese leukemia survivor will participate in the Paris Olympics

 Rikako Ikee, a remarkable survivor of leukemia, is set to represent Japan in the highly anticipated 100-meter butterfly event at the upcoming Paris Olympics. After narrowly missing out on securing an individual spot in the Tokyo Games three years ago, she is making a triumphant return to the world stage.

 Rikako Ikee

In a recent announcement by Japan’s Swimming Federation unveiling the 27-person team for the Paris Games, the renowned Daiya Seto, boasting three world championships under his belt, will be competing in the men’s individual medley.

Ikee's journey has been nothing short of inspiring. At just 18 years old, she clinched an impressive six gold medals and two silver medals at the 2018 Asian Games, earning her the coveted Most Valuable Player award. She was poised to be one of the standout athletes at the Tokyo Olympics.

However, tragedy struck in early 2019 when she received a devastating leukemia diagnosis, leading to nearly ten months of intensive treatment in the hospital. Yet, defying all odds, Ikee made a remarkable comeback, triumphantly returning to competition in August 2020.

Her incredible resilience and determination were on full display when she secured victories in the 100-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly events at the Olympic trials in 2021. While her times fell short for individual qualification in Tokyo, she earned well-deserved spots in both the freestyle and medley relay teams.

During the recent trials in Japan, the now 23-year-old Ikee secured her place in the 100-meter butterfly by a mere 0.01 of a second, finishing second with a time of 57.34 seconds, narrowly edging out her competitors.

Reflecting on her victory, Ikee humbly remarked, "In the end, I think it was my long arms that won the touch," as reported by Olympics.com. "I think God was on my side today."

Joining Ikee on the Japanese team are outstanding young talents like the 17-year-old Haiari Mazuki, who dazzled with an impressive time of 56.91 seconds in the butterfly race. Additionally, rising stars like 17-year-old Mio Narita and 18-year-old Tomoyuki Matsushita, competing in the women’s individual medley and men’s equivalent respectively, will be making their mark in Paris.

Daichi Suzuki, the head of the swimming federation, expressed his satisfaction with the team selection, stating, "I’m glad lots of veterans and young talent made it to the national team this time," as reported by Japanese media.

As the stage is set for the Paris Olympics, the inclusion of Rikako Ikee and the promising young athletes promises an exhilarating showcase of talent and determination on the world stage.