Re Interview

Yuji
Togawa 十川 裕次

2023.3.31

Going for Gold at the Paris Paralympics!

Yuji Togawa took up road relay racing in high school, hoping to emulate the runners he watched on television competing in the annual Hakone Ekiden race. Now he competes on the world stage. Coached by his own father, Togawa quickly attracted attention for his excellent race results. After a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Paralympics, he now has his sights set on gold at the upcoming Paris Paralympics.

―What was it like to compete at your first Paralympics?

I had competed at world championship events before, but the Paralympics were something different. Even though there were no spectators, there was a unique atmosphere, and I also realized how far I still was from world class. The other runners were able to read how the race was unfolding so they could adapt to any kind of development, and they were in a different league physically too. My aim had been to get a medal, but I wasn’t able to perform at my best, and that was frustrating. But it was clear what I needed to work on. I realized I lacked several things required to be in medal contention, including conditioning skill, positioning, and the elements needed for success in the home stretch. Driven by these regrets from Tokyo, I’m already preparing for the next Paralympics and achieving some solid results. My father, who knows me well, plans my training schedule, while specialist coaches handle things like muscular strength training, rhythm training, and sprint training, providing all sorts of stimuli for me to improve physically. In particular, I’ve strengthened my hamstrings, conditioned my core, and increased muscle bulk, while at the same time improving my flexibility so I can use my body more effectively. Medical staff also provide support to help me avoid injuries. I’m improving myself in both mind and body.

―What’s your plan leading up to the next Paralympics?

I’ve been training to run 1500 meters in under 3 minutes 50 seconds. In the winter months I actively pursued a speed training program, including cross country and hill sprints. If I can win a few medals at major events in Japan and overseas, I’ll have a higher chance of making it to the Paralympics. I also want to continue working on the 5000 meter distance. There’s no 5000 meter race at the Paralympics for athletes with intellectual disabilities, but I want to keep working on this as a secondary strength as I aim for a Paralympic medal. So the two main goals that drive me now are to win a medal at the Paralympics, and to set a new national record in the 5000 meters.

―What do athletics mean to you?

The track is where I can express myself and have fun. I want to stay involved in athletics long into the future, and I want to share my own experience with children. I’ll continue to improve as long as I have the ambition. People always say “Togawa is promising,” so I’m confident there’s still plenty of room for me to grow. I want to keep improving my times right through to the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028.