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Osaki Very Pleased With Olympic Training in Abashiri

http://www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/news/olympic2008/102477.html

translated by Brett Larner

Beijing Olympic men`s marathon competitor Satoshi Osaki (Team NTT Nishi Nihon) held a practice session with four teammates at Abashiri`s civic track on July 1st as part of his Olympic training camp in Abashiri, Hokkaido. Practicing for a tactical race situation with varying pace, Osaki and his teammates covered 20 km in one hour of surges and periods of respite.

Osaki has been training in Abashiri since June 16th. Looking ahead, he offered, "I think the Olympics are going to awaken something unfamiliar. I`m training for the gold medal, period. I`ve been doing a great deal of mileage and my stamina has never been better."

Team NTT Nishi Nihon coach Koji Shimizu commented, "We want to see him arrive in Beijing in the best shape possible." Osaki will remain in Abashiri until August 19th, when he will tavel to Beijing for the main event.

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