Shota Iizuka Ready for Olympic Debut

http://sankei.jp.msn.com/sports/news/120622/oth12062217300007-n1.htm

translated by Brett Larner

Shota Iizuka's big breakthrough, anchoring Chuo University to a 4x100 m national collegiate record 38.54 as a first-year at the 2010 Kanto Regional University Track & Field Championships.

Chuo University held a send-off party for its three Olympic team members in Hachioji, Tokyo on June 22. 200 m World Junior Champion Shota Iizuka (20) told the audience, "I want to show how competitive I can be internationally, and I'm going to set a new PB," showing his passion and enthusiasm for the sport.

All three of Chuo's athletes will be making their Olympic debuts. 400 m hurdler Tetsuya Tateno (20) showed his apprehension as he said, "I think it's going to be more stressful than I can imagine right now, but I want to show how focused I can be under tough circumstances." Freestyle swimmer Chiaki Ishibashi (21) commented, "Everyone there will be really good, but I think I have what it takes to hang in all the way to the end."

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