Athletic Competing: "Grinning is my mode to conquer adversities," - Sayuri Sugimoto [Inspirational Tales]
Sayuri Sugimoto, the 23-year-old captain of Japan's rhythmic gymnastics team, "Fairy Japan," is gearing up for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Sugimoto, who works in Toyota Motor Corporation's External & Public Affairs Division, has been dedicating eight hours a day to training with her teammates.
Sugimoto's journey in rhythmic gymnastics began when she was just six years old, inspired by her older sister who was also a rhythmic gymnast. She made the A team in 2013 and, in 2015, was part of a squad that earned Japan's first medal in the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in 40 years.
Coach Inna Bystrova, based in Russia, guides Sugimoto and her team. The group frequently travels back and forth between Russia and Japan for training. Bystrova has chosen strong melodies for the hoop and club performances, which will be a key feature of this year's team's performance.
Each member of the ball performance has an open-ended destination, allowing them to perform according to their own image. Sugimoto plans to attempt a unique apparatus manipulation involving two clubs and a hoop. The team's ball performance will have a 'journey' storyline accompanied by bright and cheerful music.
Sugimoto's team, Fairy Japan, won silver in the group all-around competition in the Grand Prix of Moscow. They out-performed long-time rival Russia to take the group title in ball and hoop & club performances. The team has increased the pressure on itself by setting success-rate targets for maneuver execution during practice.
Tensions among team members never escalate to arguments, according to Sugimoto. In late 2018, Sugimoto considered stepping down as captain due to feelings of unease about her ability to maintain the team's spirit for another two years. However, after an all-members meeting, she decided to stay on as captain out of a desire to respond to the feelings of the team's other members.
With less than 500 days until Tokyo 2020, the team's preparation will be key. The 2019 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships come first. Sugimoto's sister, who retired from the sport, became her biggest supporter and rushed to cheer her on during her performances at Rio 2016. The rhythmic gymnasts supporting Sugimoto during her training in 2019 are not explicitly named in the available search results.
Rhythmic gymnastics scoring now consists of a difficulty score with no limit and an execution score with greater point deductions for mistakes. Sugimoto believes that winning or losing depends on a team's ability to freely perform with confidence. The team has been working hard to ensure that they can execute their routines flawlessly under pressure.
As the countdown to Tokyo 2020 continues, Sugimoto and her team are determined to make Japan proud. Their hard work, dedication, and team spirit will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their performance at the upcoming Olympics.
Read also:
- Recognition of Exceptional Patient Care: Top Staff Honored by Medical Center Board
- A continuous command instructing an entity to halts all actions, repeated numerous times.
- California Senator Kamala Harris announces she will not seek the governorship in 2026, instead hinting at future professional ventures.
- Survey on Life Prolongation Methods
