Rikako Ikee’s ally reveals that her dream will come true in Paris in a year’s time… Path to full recovery seen in first World Swimming event in six years

I almost cried, I was nervous like I’ve never felt before…”

Rikako Ikee, 23, returned to the World Swimming Championships for the first time in six years, but failed to qualify for the semifinals of the women’s 100m butterfly on July 23, coming up 0.05 seconds short. Yayoi Matsumoto, 33, a former member of Japan’s national team who competed in the women’s 400m relay with Ikee at the 2004 Rio Olympics, said she was concerned about “mental changes.

Rikako had always said that she was nervous at every competition, but she never told the media. I think she was under a lot of pressure in this competition, which was held in Japan and had an audience. In fact, in the latter half of the 50m, he didn’t seem to have his usual amazing stretch.

He has regained 10 kg after dropping nearly 15 kg at one point due to leukemia treatment. Although her lines are still thin compared to before, Matsumoto says he can still see a path for Rikako to shine on the world stage once again.

At this year’s World Swimming Championships, China’s Zhang Yuhui (25) won the gold medal in the 100 m butterfly in 56.12 seconds. In fact, Rikako’s best time of 56.08 seconds was faster than this. If she can regain her muscle strength in the year leading up to next year’s Paris Olympics and secure a good amount of practice, she should be able to aim for a high ranking at the Olympics. It may be a bit harsh to compare it to what she was doing before her illness, but I am confident that she will break this record.

Ikegoe, who had been ill for the Tokyo Olympics, said, “I just participated in the Olympics. In Paris, we should be able to see her smile in full bloom, as she tries to make up for her illness.

From the August 11, 2023 issue of FRIDAY