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On My Son Breaking the National Record - Shitara's Father Speaks

by Takashi Shitara

My twin sons Keita and Yuta started running in 5th grade when they joined a local track club together. Their personalities are completely different. In junior high school Keita, the firstborn of the two, said, "I want to make the high school National Championships." In high school he said, "I want to make the Hakone Ekiden." In university it was, "I want to run in the Olympics." Yuta never said anything like that.

Up through university Keita was always a little better as an athlete, always one step ahead, but now it's Yuta who's leading the way. As a parent you worry more about the child who is struggling more. Keita is running the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon this weekend, March 4. He's not back to his full strength yet but even so I really want him to run strong. I think that Yuta wants the best for Keita with all his heart too. They've always been together since the time they were born. In Tokyo Keita was there in the crowds on the side of the road cheering Yuta on. Nothing makes me happier than that they are close to each other.

My biggest worry is about this 100 million yen bonus Yuta got for breaking the national record, that he will spend it buying gifts for his family. None of us needs anything. I hope he will save it for his own future.


Translator's note: Takashi is my best guess on the reading of Shitara's first name kanji. Kyoshi and other readings are also possible.

source article: 
http://www.hochi.co.jp/sports/etc/20180226-OHT1T50047.html
translated and edited by Brett Larner

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