Athens Olympian Kunichika Announces Retirement Following Fukuoka

http://sankei.jp.msn.com/sports/other/101205/oth1012052049040-n1.htm

translated by Brett Larner
photo by Dr. Helmut Winter

Tomoaki Kunichika, last run in Fukuoka.

Following the Dec. 5 Fukuoka International Marathon, Athens Olympics marathoner Tomoaki Kunichika (Team S&B) announced his retirement from elite competition. The 37 year-old Kunichika was one of this year's invited elites, but despite starting out at a conservative pace struggled and finished 18th.

According to a source connected with his team, Kunichika chose Fukuoka for his last run because of the strong memories and association with the race, Fukuoka being the site of his 2:07 PB and the win which qualified him for Athens. The source said Kunichika intends to continue running at his own level and plans to expand the scope of his coaching activities.

photo (c) and (p) 2010 Dr. Helmut Winter
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