To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page.
This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies.
Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Masaki Furumaya / The Yomiuri Shimbun Tomoya Ito races in the T52 category of the men’s 400-meter wheelchair race on Friday.
By Yoshinaga Azekawa / Yomiuri Shimbun Sportswriter
15:43 JST, September 1, 2024
PARIS — Tomoya Ito, who became Japan’s oldest Paralympic medalist at the age of 61 after winning a bronze medal in the T52 category of the men’s 400-meter wheelchair race, reflected on the days leading up to this moment, especially the bitter memories of the previous Tokyo Games when his classification was changed right before the event, leading to a crushing defeat. “These past three years have not been in vain. I never gave up and that’s why I’m able to return like this,” he said.
Among the 175 athletes representing Japan at this event, Ito is the oldest. He is battling progressive symptoms of multiple sclerosis, which affects not only his lower body but also his upper body. Of course, the decline in physical strength due to aging is another challenge.
In addition to his strong will, he is supported by the presence of his teammates from RDS, an industrial design company in Saitama Prefecture, where he serves as a test driver. Together, they are developing wheelchair racing equipment. With RDS’s expertise in motorsports, Ito raced in the latest cutting-edge wheelchair racer.
