Top Medal Contenders in Wrestling and Fencing Emerge from the Strongest Generation

Misaki Emura (25) [Fencing]

Women’s Sabre Individual Final: July 30th, 1:30 AM (Fuji TV Network)
Women’s Sabre Team Final: August 4th, 3:00 AM (TBD)

“Her weapon is the dynamically executed long attack. Its offensive power possesses the strength to overwhelm even athletes from strong countries.”

This is said by Koji Emura, Misaki’s father, who served as the fencing coach for the Japanese team at the Beijing Olympics. In sabre, where both thrusts and cuts are used and dynamism is required, Emura won back-to-back world championships in 2022 and 2023. She holds the top spot in the world rankings.

Her impressive height of 170 cm enhances her attacking ability, but three years ago, she faced significant challenges, according to Koji Emura.

“At the Tokyo Olympics, despite being expected to win a medal, she was eliminated in the third round. There was even a period when she experienced ‘burnout syndrome.’ Nevertheless, she took about two weeks off, and for Paris, she underwent intense training again. She also refreshed her look with blonde hair around this time.
She invited a coach from France, the home of fencing, and learned the delicate European steps. This combination has made her not only strong in attack but also in defense and footwork, earning her the top spot in the world rankings.”

If she wins a medal, it will be the first achievement for a Japanese female fencer. As a coach and father, what are his thoughts on his daughter’s second major stage?

“Before departing for Paris, Misaki invited the family to dinner. However, we hardly talked about the competition. Last time, she asked questions like, ‘What is the Olympics like?’ but this time, such discussions didn’t come up. Right now, I just want her to give it her all.”

The evolved fencer will cut through to an unprecedented realm on the stage in Paris.

From the August 9, 2024 issue of FRIDAY