The 2016 Japan Swim, which served as the nation’s Olympic Trials, wrapped up today in Tokyo, defining the Japanese roster for this summer’s Games in Rio.
Among the swimmers who earned their Olympic berths, were veteran Rie Kaneto, backstrokers Ryosuke Irie and Masaki Kaneko, as well as multi-event star Kosuke Hagino.
Below are some abbreviated interviews after individual races, giving insight into where these athletes’ mindsets are at competing against the best domestic talent and tough Japanese Olympic qualifying standards.
女子200m平泳ぎで2分19秒65の日本新記録で優勝し、リオ五輪代表入りが内定した金藤理絵選手の喜びの声です！ #JAPANSWIM2016 #トビウオジャパン pic.twitter.com/Q2TZorIMBr
— トビウオジャパン (@tobiuojapan) April 9, 2016
Rie Kaneto: “Hi everyone, this is Rie Kaneto, I am the representative for Rio. Even though we are young ( or inexperienced), we will make sure we don’t lose. We will try hard. Thank you!”
男子200m背泳ぎで10連覇を達成し、派遣標準記録を突破。この種目で3回目のオリンピックに内定した入江陵介選手 @ryosuke_irie のコメントです！ #JAPANSWIM2016 #トビウオジャパン pic.twitter.com/TLnLlaexhc
— トビウオジャパン (@tobiuojapan) April 9, 2016
男子200m背泳ぎで派遣標準記録を突破して2位に入り、リオ五輪代表入りが内定した金子雅紀選手 @masaki0327 の喜びの声です！ #JAPANSWIM2016 #Rio2016 #トビウオジャパン pic.twitter.com/BNgIakDuJQ
— トビウオジャパン (@tobiuojapan) April 9, 2016
男子200m自由形で日本記録に迫る好記録で派遣標準記録を突破し、800mフリーリレーでもリオ五輪への切符を掴んだ萩野公介選手 @haginokosuke のコメントです！ #JAPANSWIM2016 #トビウオジャパン pic.twitter.com/NtKPuT1Qf2
— トビウオジャパン (@tobiuojapan) April 6, 2016
Rie Kaneto may have been a teen sensation in Beijing 2008 but now she would be better defined as a veteran among those qualified for Rio, with her 27 years of age. Teen sensation is Rikako Ikee!