Mr. AKAMATSU Ryoichi, Achieved 8th Place in Men's High Jump at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships, Visits President
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Mr. Ryoichi Akamatsu--who achieved an impressive 8th-place finish in the men's high jump at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships, the highest ranking among Japanese athletes in the event--visited the Office of President along with his coach HAYASHI Ryōhei (Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education at the Faculty of Education) to report on his performance to President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro. Mr. Akamatsu is a graduate of Gifu University Graduate School of Education and a research student at Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine.
Mr. Akamatsu shared his thoughts: "Competing on home soil in Japan was a truly special experience. I was overwhelmed by the incredible support from the crowd--something I had never felt before. The encouragement from everyone at Gifu University and from people across the prefecture gave me strength. While I do feel some frustration about the result, I want to use this experience as motivation to push forward to the next stage."
Coach Hayashi reflected: "Once again, Ryoichi achieved the highest ranking among Japanese athletes. Over the past few years, he has consistently competed at the world's top level. I truly believe he is a genuine elite athlete, and I feel fortunate to have met such an outstanding competitor as his coach."
President Yoshida responded with praise: "You seemed to turn the tension into enjoyment and competed with remarkable composure. We are proud that you continue to achieve such outstanding results on the global stage. Your accomplishments are a source of pride for the university." In recognition of Mr. Akamatsu's achievements, President Yoshida presented him with the President's Special Award, following his previous commendation for placing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
With consecutive award-winning at the Budapest 2023 and Tokyo 2025 championships, and three straight years of success at world-class competitions including the Paris 2024 Olympics, Mr. Akamatsu continues to show unwavering determination. His visible frustration despite such remarkable results suggests that even greater achievements lie ahead. Gifu University will continue to support Mr. Akamatsu as he competes on the world stage.
Go, Akamatsu!
