2024 Great Scenes in Sports – All of Japan in Tears! Paris Olympics Volleyball: Yuki Ishikawa & Sarina Koga’s courage and tears!

Men’s Volleyball August 5, Paris Olympics Quarterfinals
Yuki Ishikawa (29) cries after losing a fierce match against Italy

The moment Japan’s men’s volleyball team failed to make the final four for the first time in 48 years, captain Yuki Ishikawa burst into tears in public.

The quarterfinal match against Italy at the Paris Olympics was a rare and fierce battle. Japan took the first two sets, but was overtaken in the fifth set. Kota Yamamura, former captain of the Japanese national team, looks back on the match.

Ishikawa had been putting pressure on himself before the tournament, saying publicly that he would win a medal without fail. I am sure there were many feelings behind his tears after the match, but I think I saw his pride as a captain in the fact that he did not look down.

Ishikawa had an outstanding performance in the quarterfinals, scoring 32 points, the most for either team.

He also supported the team defensively, making more than 60 spikes. I think he was the strongest captain of the team, leading the most talented team of all time behind his back.

I am sure that he will use this frustration as a springboard to reach even greater heights.

Japan national team captain Sarina Koga (28) retires with tears in her eyes
Women’s Volleyball: August 3, Paris Olympics: Final Qualifying Round

The Japanese women’s volleyball team was eliminated from the preliminary round at the Paris Olympics. Later that day, captain Sarina Koga announced her retirement.

She was selected for the national team at the young age of 16, and not only played, but also took on a coaching role on the court.” She won her first silver medal at the 24th Nations League and was a major contributor to the women’s volleyball world. I am looking forward to seeing what kind of skills she will bring to the table if she decides to pursue a career as a coach.

From the January 3, 10, and 17, 2025 issue of FRIDAY