japan running news

an editorial by Koji Ito   men's 100 m national record holder JAAF Development Committee Chair In London Japan won the men's 4x100 m relay bronze, its first-ever World Championships 4x100 m medal. I'm glad that they were able to win a medal. My honest impression was that they have done well to come this far. Before the race started sprint coach Shunji Karube was saying, "They're totally going to medal," but a key part of Japan's strength is in fact the rich experience he and Coach Hiroyasu Tsuchie bring to the picture. I think their tactics are amazing. During the heats they could make an assessment of Aska Cambridge 's situation in just half a day and replace him with Kenji Fujimitsu , who delivered a solid run. Japan has entered the ranks of the world's true relay powerhouse nations. Apart from leading man Shuhei Tada , the other three members were talking before the race in a totally relaxed way that would have been unthinkable in my e...

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/p-sp-tp0-20090424-486487.html translated by Brett Larner Japan's bronze medal-winning men's 4 x 100 m relay team from the Beijing Olympics is in the process of changing both its lineup and running order Rikuren has announced following a committee meeting at Tokyo's National Training Center in Ota Ward. Longtime anchor Nobuharu Asahara retired last fall, and second leg runner Shingo Suetsugu is taking the season off, necessitating the changes in the leadup to this summer's World Championships in Berlin. Sprint Division director Shunji Karube commented, "We're aiming to make the final at the World Championships, but there is much to do before then. With half our regular team gone we're in a tough position. We haven't made any decisions about the team's lineup or running order yet but will watch this spring's Grand Prix series and see who's who." The new team is expected to be announced following the...