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Yamada Holdings Scratches From National Corporate Women's Ekiden Qualifier


On Sept. 6 Yamada Holdings announced that its women's ekiden team has scratched from the Oct. 20 Princess Ekiden, the qualifying race for the Nov. 24 Queens Ekiden national corporate women's championships in Sendai.

Yamada Holdings had been targeting a podium finish at the Queens Ekiden this year. The announcement stated, "A restructured development system was put in place this year to develop a stronger team, but with multiple athletes injured we have made the decision to withdraw from running the Princess Ekiden." Other races on the schedule this season remain a question mark and will depend on athletes' conditions.

The Yamada Holdings team was 22nd at the Queens Ekiden last year, well off the podium and earning the guaranteed place at the following year's race that comes with it. Longtime coaching staff member Kei Yokoyama, 49, was appointed head coach this year after 10 years as assistant coach, and hopes were high that the team would return to previous strength. Prominent team members include Harumi Okamoto, 26, and Sakiho Tsutsui, 28.
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Stefan said…
So many injuries this year. It's been rather disappointing how many prominent athletes and potential stars have been sidelined. I'm still reeling after the Honami Maeda Olympic disappointment. Credit to Nozomi Tanaka because I've not seen an athlete as prolific in race participation and training, performing at an elite level and remaining injury free. Is it the coaching, diet, scheduling, workload ...? Injuries happen but so many so often.
September 10, 2024 at 1:35 PM
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