Japan broke its record for medals and titles

If only one had to be chosen, it would probably be this one. By winning the gold medal to the detriment of the United States, Saturday, August 7, the Japanese baseball team excited the host country, where the “yakyu” enjoys an almost unparalleled popularity.

Despite the pandemic, the postponement of one year and the pharaonic prize of a competition to which they could not be invited, the Japanese will remember their 2021 Olympic Games. Because on the grounds, tatamis, skateparks and other floors, their compatriots shone.

With 27 titles and 58 medals, Japan smashed its previous record (16 gold medals, in Tokyo 1964 and Athens 2004), and climbed on the podium of the most successful nations, behind the superpowers that are the United States and the United States. China.

“The Japanese national team was able to beat their record this year, savored, Sunday, Mitsugi Ogata, the deputy head of the delegation. But we don’t want this to be the final touch of fireworks. It is important to maintain this dynamic in Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028. ”

Read also Judo, baseball, keirin: these Japanese sports that feature at the Tokyo Olympics

Nine of fifteen gold medals possible in judo

In the country where judo was born, it was from Budokan that their first gold medal arrived, on the first day of the Games. What to start the machine, blocked until then by the discussions around the cases of Covid-19.

With nine gold medals out of fifteen possible in judo, the Japanese could almost consider the two silver medals and the bronze medal also obtained in the discipline as small fry. The stars were notably the brother and sister Abe – Hifumi (- 66 kg) and Uta (- 52 kg) or the ruthless Shohei Ono (- 73 kg) and Akira Sone (+ 73 kg).

Only downside to this idyllic fortnight, the local judokas have not managed to add the icing on their copious cake: the title in mixed team competition. Severely beaten by France’s Teddy Riner and Clarisse Agbegnenou (4-1), the Japanese took a few days to cash in – some fans resuming the fights at the exit of the bars.

Read also Tokyo 2021 Olympics: tricolor judokas overthrow the Japanese mountain

New sports at the party

Having won the title in baseball and softball (both times against the United States), the Japanese also shone on the basketball courts. Led by an untenable Rui Machida, the Akatsuki Five (“the five of the dawn”), nickname of the women’s team, swept almost everything in the tournament – including France, in the semi-finals -, failing than in the final against Team USA.

Deprived of the advantage of playing at home – behind closed doors – the Japanese made up for it by refueling in the additional sports incorporated for the 2021 Olympics. In addition to baseball and softball, the athletes of the Land of the Rising Sun won three titles in skateboarding and one in karate.

Read also: Worn by Yuto Horigome, the skateboard passes its entrance exam to the Games

Ultimate proof that the results of Japanese sport have not gone unnoticed, Paris 2024 is eyeing the recipe, aspiring to be inspired by it. “The Japanese have shown us the way with an impressive sports record, said sports minister Roxana Maracineanu on Sunday, emphasizing their pursuit of excellence. Their goal was not podiums it was gold medals. ” An elitism that is difficult to copy.