By Retta Race on SwimSwam
After completing her last bout of racing at the recent National Sports Festival, Japanese record holder Reona Aoki has decided to retire from competitive swimming.
30-year-old Aoki hangs up her goggles after representing her nation at both the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games and remains Japan’s fastest-ever women’s 100m breaststroker.
Via social media today, Aoki stated the following (translated):
“After the last time in the National Sports Meet, I have decided to retire from competitive life.
It’s been 27 years since I started swimming at age 3. I never imagined that I’d stay active until the age of 30.
What kept me going this far,
· My family that always supported me ・Coach Hirai believed in my swimming more than anyone else and cheered me on ・Mizuno, where I belong, has supported me in various aspects and cared for me warmly ・Teachers who supported me when I was a student ・My colleagues and staff ・To all the trainers and staff who have been close to us not only physically but also mentally, and continue to support us in the unseen places ・Friends who always treated me well ・Tournament officials, sponsors, media ・And to all my fans who always supported me
Thanks to all of you.”
The 2023 Asian Games gold medalist continued, “I want to finish my competitive life, What will I have left, what will I make use of? There are days when you think about that.
“And yet, what I can say is clearly, The wonderful people I meet through swimming are my precious treasure above all. Especially, Mr. Hirai, who has mentored me for 18 years. Words cannot express how grateful I am.
“Not just swimming, but more important things have been taught.
• It’s the small choices and actions you make everyday that help you grow. · The power to overcome challenges and the willingness to face them. · Courage to face yourself. · A heart that values human connections. ・Never forget to be grateful. ・What it means to grow as a person. ・It’s not just about the outcome, it’s about learning and value in the process.
“I learned a lot every day through the words and postures of my teacher.
“I may not have become the athlete my teacher expected, but the time I spent swimming hard with my teacher was a luxury that I can’t replace. Thank you so much sir.”
Aoki concluded, “From now on, we value the learning and friendships we have gained through swimming, and we hope to share the joy of swimming to many people through swimming classes and events, while also engaging in activities that allow them to learn about the charm of Mizuno.
With all the friendships and experiences I’ve had, I will keep moving forward with a smile.
With sincere gratitude. Thank you.”
In addition to maintaining her status as the Japanese antioanl record holder in the 100m breaststroker (1:05.19, 2022), Aoki ends her career as Japan’s 4th-best 200m breaststroker.
She was a two-time bronze medalist at the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships and 5-time Asian Games medalist.
At the Tokyo Olympics, Aoki placed 19th in the 100m breaststroke and she matched that same result last year in Paris.
Carrying the 100m breaststroke torch will most likely be 34-year-old Satomi Suzuki, who continues to improve as a seasoned athlete and 19-year-old Junior Pan Pacs breakout star Kotomi Kato.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 青木 玲緒樹 Reona Aoki (@reonaoki)
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