Paris Paralympics: Japan Secures Medals in Wheelchair Tennis and Swimming

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Yui Kamiji celebrates her victory in the women’s singles semi-finals in Paris (Kyodo News)

Wheelchair Tennis: Kamiji and Oda/Miki Advance to Finals

On the eighth day of the Paris Paralympics, Japan’s wheelchair tennis players made a strong showing. Yui Kamiji (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation) defeated a Dutch player in the women’s singles semi-finals, securing at least a silver medal. Meanwhile, the men’s doubles pair Kaito Oda (Tokai Rika) and Takuya Miki (Toyota Motor Corporation) defeated a Spanish pair to advance to the finals, also securing at least a silver medal.

Swimming: Tsujiuchi and Kinoshita Win Bronze Medals

In the women’s swimming competition, Ayano Tsujiuchi (Mitsubishi Corporation) came in third in the 100m freestyle (visually impaired S12) and 18-year-old Aira Kinoshita (Mitsubishi Corporation) won a bronze medal in the 200m individual medley (intellectually disabled). Naohide Yamaguchi (Shikoku Gas) finished eighth in the men’s 200m individual medley (intellectually disabled).

Goalball and Boccia: Japan Advances to Medal Matches

Japan’s men’s goalball team won a comfortable victory over China in the semi-finals, securing at least a silver medal. In boccia, Japan’s team (cerebral palsy) lost to Indonesia in the semi-finals and advanced to the third-place deciding match.

Markus Rehm Wins Fourth Consecutive Title

Markus Rehm (Germany) won his fourth consecutive title in the men’s long jump (prosthetic limb/functional impairment T64) with a jump of 8.13 meters.

Athlete Comments

Yui Kamiji: “Towards the end, I was able to step up my game and concentrate better. I didn’t give up until the end. I’m glad I won. I’m very happy. I want to fight with confidence until the end in the final.”

Kaito Oda: “I lost the first set, but I felt pretty good. I played really well in the second set, and I’m glad I was able to go into the match tiebreak. I really enjoyed it.”

Takuya Miki: “I knew that they were a strong opponent who would come to win by getting dirty. The venue, the players, and everyone were able to create a sense of unity. I was very happy to be able to play in that environment. In recent matches, I kept a cool head and it felt like it was going to end. I hadn’t had any emotional matches, but I thought that if I didn’t give it my all here, I would regret it for the rest of my life. It’s the best. (Playing with Oda) I’ve really grown as a player. I want to be at the top together with the two of us.”

Ayano Tsujiuchi: “I came in second (in the qualifying round), so I’m a little disappointed to come in third, but I’m more happy that I was able to make it (to the podium).”

Aira Kinoshita: “I’m so happy. I wasn’t in good shape, but I swam with all my might. I went all out in the last freestyle. The medal carries weight and makes me feel glad that I’ve worked so hard.”