Sibling Duo Hifumi and Uta Abe Set to Achieve Back-to-Back Judo Wins at Paris Olympics
“The Paris Olympics, opening on July 27th, are expected to be filled with medal-worthy events, following the Tokyo Olympics where Japan won a record 58 medals. We have conducted in-depth interviews with legendary athletes to highlight the key events to watch. Let’s revel in the medal rush of Japan’s athletes!”
Abe Hifumi (26) and Abe Uta (24)
Men’s 66kg Preliminary: July 28 at 16:30 (TV Asahi Network)
Final: July 28 at 23:00 (NHK General)
Women’s 52kg Preliminary: July 28 at 16:30 (TV Asahi Network))
Final: July 28, 23:00- (NHK Sogo)
For the first time in the history of the Japanese delegation, siblings are set to win gold medals on the same day in two consecutive Olympic Games. The Abe siblings, representing judo in Paris, will face their decisive moments on July 28, Japan time. The first to compete in the finals will be the elder brother, Hifumi. Takamasa Anai, the coach of the Tenri University judo team and an eight-time gold medalist in international competitions, shares his thoughts.
“Hifumi’s ability to time his throws is exceptional, and his explosive power is incredible. For his opponents, it must feel like being hit by a suddenly crashing light truck. When I met him at the All-Japan Selection Tournament in April and told him, ‘You’re strong,’ he humbly replied, ‘Not at all,’ but his confidence was evident from his expression. His mental strength has also improved, leaving no weaknesses. I hope he secures the gold medal with ease.”
According to Anai, his sister Uta said, “I really don’t want to follow my brother’s performance” (laughs).
“Before the Tokyo Olympics, explosive power was Uta’s specialty, not Hifumi’s. Uta’s speed is extraordinary. Moreover, her judo style has evolved. Where it was once about aggressively taking down opponents, now it has reached the level of calmly capturing prey, a pinnacle of judo. The final opponent is expected to be France’s Amandine Buchard (29), but Uta is several levels above her, and the chance of winning gold is very high.” (same source)
The strongest sibling duo, now even more formidable, will bring despair to their opponents.
From the August 9, 2024 issue of “FRIDAY
PHOTO： Yuji Yanagawa
