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Athens Olympics Marathon 6th-Placer Toshinari Suwa Named Jobu University Head Coach



Jobu University has announced that 2004 Athens Olympics men's marathon 6th-placer Toshinari Suwa, 45, has been named head coach of its track and field and ekiden team. At a press conference at the school's campus in Isesaki, Gunma, Suwa said, "The main goal is to make it back to the Hakone Ekiden. In the longer term, to develop athletes who will pursue the marathon. I want them to aim for the international level I experienced."

Jobu University first qualified for the Hakone Ekiden in 2009 and made it there 11 years in a row. But for the last three years it has failed to make it out of the Yosenkai qualifying half marathon. A native of Isesaki, new coach Suwa commented, "We're going to make world-class athletes right here in Isesaki." Suwa brings experience with coaching at the Nissin and Hitachi Butsuryu corporate teams. "I want us to approach each workout with a goal and without making any compromises."

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translated by Brett Larner

photo © 2010 Dr. Helmut Winter, all rights reserved

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