AKAMATSU Ryōichi Selected as a Member of Japan's National Team for the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships!

○Excellent Performance: 2nd Place at the 109th Japan Association of Athletics Federation (JAAF) Athletics Championships
From Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6, 2025, high jumper AKAMATSU Ryōichi (a graduate of Gifu University Graduate School of Education and a research student at Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, and he is currently affiliated with SEIBU PRINCE) competed in the 109th Japan Association of Athletics Federation (JAAF) Athletics Championships held at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, alongside his coach HAYASHI Ryōhei (Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education at the Faculty of Education). Akamatsu achieved an impressive result, clearing 2.25 meters and securing 2nd place. Also competing was HONDA Motoi (2nd-year student at the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Gifu University,) who gave a strong performance with a jump of 2.15 meters, finishing in 14th place.

Akamatsu competing in the final jump wearing a uniform with Gifu University's logo

Akamatsu has a sponsorship agreement with Gifu University, and his uniform features the university logo.

○Reporting the Results to President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro
After the competition, Akamatsu, Honda, and Coach Hayashi visited President Yoshida to report their results. Akamatsu shared his honest thoughts: "Although I haven't yet secured a definite spot for the World Athletics Championships (automatic qualification requires clearing 2.33 meters), I'm relieved to have achieved a good result." President Yoshida responded with encouragement: "Akamatsu is a source of pride for Gifu University. From here, you'll be aiming for the global stage--do your best without feeling pressured."

Commemorative photo with the silver medal around his neck

○Selected for Japan's National Team for the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships!
On Tuesday, September 2, JAAF announced that Akamatsu has been selected to represent Japan at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships. Following the announcement, Akamatsu visited the President's Office with Coach Hayashi to share his aspirations with President Yoshida. Akamatsu expressed his determination, saying: "First, I want to aim for a new personal best, and I hope that good results will follow. Since this year's World Athletics Championships will be held in Japan, I feel very grateful for the support I've received from Gifu University, people in Gifu Prefecture, and many others. I'll do my best to turn everyone's support into strength!" Coach Hayashi added: "Preparations have been going smoothly so far. Now, I just need to make sure that Akamatsu is able to deliver his best performance, both mentally and physically, during the competition." In response, President Yoshida offered his encouragement: "Akamatsu's achievements are a source of pride for Gifu University and bring great joy to all students and faculty members. As a representative of Japan and of Gifu University, I hope you give it your all on the world stage. I believe your leap toward the world will inspire the next generation of young people."

Go for it, Akamatsu!

A banner has been displayed at University Library

Akamatsu will compete at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships held in the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo alongside Coach Hayashi. We believe that the fruits of their tireless efforts and training will inspire people across Japan and our university community. We wholeheartedly support them.

○High Jump Competition Schedule (Tentative)
Qualifying Round: Sunday, September 14 (Day 2 of the Championships), starting at 18:40
Final Round: Tuesday, September 16 (Day 4 of the Championships), starting at 20:35