Mr. AKAMATSU Ryoichi, who finished 5th in the men's high jump at the Paris 2024 Olympics visited the President.

2024.09.06

Mr. AKAMATSU Ryoichi (a graduate of Gifu University Graduate School of Education and a research student at Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine. He is currently affiliated with SEIBU PRINCE) finished 5th in the men's high jump at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His record matches the best performance by a Japanese athlete in 88 years.

Mr. Aakamatsu visited President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro of Gifu University along with his coach HAYASHI Ryohei, Associate Professor in Department of Health and Physical Education Course of the Faculty of Education, to report their achievement.

Mr. Akamatsu said with a smile, "At the Olympics, I was able to turn the cheers into strength and approach the competition in a relaxed manner. I was aiming to break my personal best, so I decided to attempt a height 1 cm higher than my personal best, and I felt a surge of determination to make the jump. I am grateful for all the support from everyone at Gifu University."

Associate Professor Hayashi commented, "During the Olympics, I dedicated myself to providing both mental and physical support as a coach. I was amazed by Mr. Akamatsu's performance, which exceeded the insights gained from my previous research. This experience was extremely valuable and will contribute to the future development of my research."

President Yoshida praised, 'I am deeply moved that such a wonderful result was achieved by someone from a national university, with a university professor serving as the coach, and primarily training at the university. Mr. Akamatsu has given everyone at Gifu University a dream and a sense of pride. We will continue to support him so that he can achieve results that will inspire the next generation.

Everyone at Gifu University is delighted with Mr. Akamatsu's great success and will continue to support his future endeavors!