Complete Guide to Medal-Winning Athletes in Gymnastics, Badminton, and Basketball in Paris Olympics
Chiharu Shida (27, left) and Nami Matsuyama (26) [Badminton]
Women’s Doubles Semifinal – August 2, 3:30 PM (TBD)
Final – August 3, 10:00 PM (TBD)
Beyond their resemblance to the famed duo “Ogushio,” they are ranked 4th in the world, putting a medal within reach. Their powerful smashes and the combination skills they’ve honed since high school are their greatest strengths. Will they achieve a remarkable feat in their first Olympic appearance?

Joel Chima Fujita (22) [Soccer]
Group Stage, Match 3 – July 31, 3:35 AM – 6:00 AM (Nippon TV Network)
Having won the U23 Asian Cup this spring and drawing against favorites France in a July friendly, the team is highly refined. Although they couldn’t call up any over-age players, they hope to create opportunities with aggressive defense, led by captain Chima.

From the August 9, 2024 issue of FRIDAY
PHOTO: Afro Kyodo News, Asahi Shimbun, Getty Images, Sankei Shimbun, Jiji Press, Fortximoto, Sachiko Yasutaka, Yuji Yanagawa, Koji Watanabe