Naoto Takafuji
It was revealed on the 12th that Naoto Takato (30), the 2021 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist in the men’s 60 kg judo category, has decided to continue as an active athlete. In an interview with Kyodo News, he declared, “I’m not retiring. I want to do as much as I can.” He is also considering changing weight class to 66 kg as a “new challenge.” He missed out on the squad for this summer’s Paris Olympics.
Takafuji, a native of Tochigi Prefecture, was trained at Kanagawa and Tokai University Sagami High School and Tokai University, and has been active since his teens with a unique and dynamic style that shows off one after another. He won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and has won four world championships, which is tied for the most by Japanese men.
The 66 kg weight class is dominated by Hifumi Abe, who is aiming for his second consecutive victory at the Paris Olympics, and it is undecided whether he will aim for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
2024-01-12 12:52:48
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