Race Walker Withdraws After Abe Uta’s Tearful Appeal as JOC Issues Unprecedented Statement on Defamation at Paris Olympics

As expected at the heated Paris Olympics, slander has become a problem.

In the men’s 60-kilogram judo event, Nagayama Tatsuki was eliminated due to an “inexplicable decision. In the quarterfinals, Nagayama was taking a stranglehold from Francisco Garrigos of Spain when the referee told him to wait, but his opponent did not stop attacking and fainted, scoring an ippon. The Japanese side protested vigorously, but the decision was not overturned, and Nagayama ended up with the bronze medal.

The Internet was abuzz with criticism of the opponent for not releasing the clamping technique. Nagayama, unable to stand by himself, posted a two-shot of himself and Garrigos on his Instagram page on July 29, and wrote

In the quarterfinals, both fighters fought hard, so please refrain from slandering Gallegos. I think it was a difficult situation for the judges to make a decision.

(original text only).

Also in judo, controversy arose when the women’s 52-kilogram weight class competitor Abe Uta was distraught after unexpectedly losing in the second round.

After Abe stepped off the tatami mat, she screamed and sobbed, and the stands erupted in “uta calls. The stands erupted in “uta calls,” and Abe, who was unable to walk on her own, left the arena on the shoulders of her coach.

Reactions were divided as to whether the spectacle was “moving” or not.

Yoshizumi Ishihara, appearing on a morning information program, said

He said, “Including this, this is worth the effort, worth the three years of fighting. Sometimes it is cruel because it is a competition, but I think this is one page of the Olympics. We have only just begun, but perhaps this scene will be the most memorable scene of the Olympics.

He added, “This scene may be the most memorable scene of the Olympics.

On the other hand, Hideo Higashikunihara, former governor of Miyazaki Prefecture, said in X

I still don’t know how he should behave as a martial artist and judoka (he cried loudly and interfered with the progress of the games).

He posted, “I wonder what he would do as a martial artist and judo practitioner. A follower asked the following question

“Is it wrong to cry?

I don’t mind at all,” he replied.

Crying is totally fine. Expressing emotions is fine. But there is a place for it. It is not something that should be done to the extent of interfering with the progress of the match.

I don’t think it’s something that should be done to the extent of interfering with the progress of the match.