At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics held three years ago, Hifumi Abe and Uta became the first brother and sister to win gold medals on the same day. After that, he further refined his strength and won two consecutive world championships in 2022 and 2023. He is in unparalleled condition and has a good chance of winning a consecutive Olympic title. With about four months left until the opening of the Paris Olympics (the interview took place in March), we take a closer look at the true faces of the brother and sister after taking off their judo uniforms.
“I became interested in judo after watching a competition on TV.I started playing judo at the age of 6, with the support of my parents who encouraged me to play sports organized by weight class even though I was small.” one two Three)
Although he is now famous around the world, surprisingly, he was not strong from the beginning. Although he did not participate in a national tournament until he was in elementary school, he started to stand out when he was in junior high school.
“At that time, I just wanted to get stronger, and all I really did was judo.Since I was in elementary school, I had been thinking about various things, such as training to strengthen my core, with my father.Looking back now, I can see that my physical condition That’s where the basics are built.People around me praise me for having a strong core, and because of that I can perform techniques without wavering, and I’ve always been able to withstand the opponent’s techniques. I’m particular about throwing hard and winning the ball.I want to do a judo that is exciting for everyone, whether they like it or don’t know much about it.” (Hifumi)
For Hifumi, one person who can be said to motivate her is her younger sister Uta.
“Whether it’s games or practice, we’re inspired every day. We’ve worked hard together to get to where we are, so we have a really good relationship, like brother and sister but rivals.” (Hifumi)
The bond between the two, who respect each other while competing and improving each other, is strong. In a past interview, Uta said that “about 70% of my work comes from my older brother.” She talks about what she respects about Hifumi:
“I respect his high level of concentration and his spirit of persevering toward one thing without wavering.Also, above all else, he made a mark and made me want to catch up with him.” I started judo at the age of 5 under the influence of my older brother, so it’s no exaggeration to say that I am where I am today thanks to my older brother.” (Poetry)
Even in his private life, he is said to act like an older brother and guide Uta.
“When I had just moved to Tokyo to attend university and was feeling anxious, he invited his friends to take me out to dinner.He always walks in front of me and guides me.” poetry)
Both found themselves in a world of tough competition, and at times used each other’s presence as their own strength, and the two reached the world’s best on the Olympic stage, which they had dreamed of since they were children.
“Ever since it was decided that the Olympics would be held in our country, my goal was for my brother and sister to win a gold medal. It truly felt like a dream, and I wondered if it would be possible for this to become a reality.For me, the stage of the Olympics is the most special and one of the most important moments in my life. This is the place that changed me.” (Poetry)
“Including the 24-minute national team deciding match, I was able to gain valuable experience that others would not have been able to have.I have never been mentally weak, but in the process of winning the gold medal, I may have become mentally stronger than most people. Regardless of whether I win or lose, I think all the steps I’ve taken up until now have led to my confidence.” (Hifumi)
After a period of grueling training, the Abe siblings once again secured tickets to the Olympics. However, achieving a great feat and climbing to the top once again is no mean feat. Looking back on the past three years, both say, “It went by so quickly.”
“To be honest, after achieving my big goal at the Tokyo Games, there were days when I wasn’t motivated.But I never felt like quitting judo.Although I realized that I love judo all over again, it was one of my favorite things to do.” I felt that there were various obstacles to overcome.Now, I am focusing on daily practice and continuing to make adjustments while being aware of my challenges. It won’t lead to one victory in the match.” (Poetry)
“In my case, I have a big goal of winning four consecutive Olympics, so I was able to spend three years without wavering in my mind.I am still not satisfied with just one victory.Also, I always make sure to follow through on whatever I decide to do.The same goes for training and diet.The most important thing is not to give up on myself.” (Hifumi)
While they continue to live a stoic life centered around judo, the two say that going out dressed up is a way to take a break. Perhaps that’s why she showed such lively expressions during the photoshoot for this magazine. The staff was transfixed by her dignified gaze from beginning to end when she faced the camera.
“I occasionally have the opportunity to do fashion shoots, and I no longer have to worry about how to behave in front of the camera.But to be honest, I was embarrassed to do shoots with my older brother (lol).I often wear men’s casual clothes, so… I like the freshness of see-through long skirts, which are usually ephemeral. Lately, I’ve been drawn to clothes with unique designs.” (Poetry)
“I was surprised at how well the vivid colors suited me.Recently, I like street style and big-silhouette fashion, but sometimes I like beautiful set-ups.I was given the opportunity to wear costumes from a variety of genres. I felt refreshed! It was a lot of fun.” (Hifumi)
Last year, we held a long-awaited event, “ABE CUP 2023 -JUDO School & Friendly Match-” in our hometown, Hyogo Prefecture. On the first day, the two students participated in a judo class, and on the second day, a judo tournament was held for sixth grade elementary school students. While running on the front lines as a competitor, he is also thinking about the future of judo.
“When we were kids, we didn’t have many opportunities to meet current medalists, so we wanted to hold one someday.We decided to hold the event because we were finally in a position where we could give something back to the next generation.However, the time before the World Championships We were able to prepare in the absence of any resources, so many people helped us.” (Hifumi)
“I was glad that so many elementary school students from other regions participated. The number of people participating is decreasing year by year, but I felt hope for the future. When I saw the children burst into tears after losing a match, it brought back memories of my own childhood. It was a very meaningful experience, and I would like to hold this event again if I have the opportunity.” (Uta)
Some SPUR readers may enjoy watching judo at this summer’s Paris Olympics. So, we asked the two of them to pick some impressive techniques for beginners.
“A technique that makes you happy when you nail it is Sei-nage (1) and sleeve fishing waist (2)is. I’ve been practicing my shoulder techniques all the time in order to win Ippon. It’s exciting and worth seeing, and it feels good when you decide! “(one two Three)
“The technique I used to perform on my brother during the photo shoot was Ippon Seikage (3)is. Kouchikari (4) is a foot technique that I won in last year’s Grand Slam Tokyo 2023 final. Decisions are often made in the blink of an eye, so please take a close look at the players’ behavior.” (Poetry)
2024-05-17 07:18:56
#Interview #Tokyo #Olympic #gold #medalistsHifumi #Abe #brother #sister #future #aiming #judoka #Culture #Topics #SPUR
