http://mainichi.jp/enta/sports/general/news/20080701k0000m050149000c.html translated by Brett Larner On June 30 Yukiko Akaba (28, Team Hokuren) was named to the Japanese women`s long distance team for the Beijing Olympics. Akaba gave birth to her daughter Yuna in August 2006; her addition to the Beijing 10000 m team makes her Japan`s first Olympic mother. Akaba was overjoyed at the news, saying, "This is really a dream come true. It validates everything I`ve done about staying with running after marriage and giving birth. At the Olympics I`ll be aiming to finish in the prizes." Her husband and coach Shuhei (28) agreed, "Right after giving birth Yukiko clearly stated her goals, and one by one she`s reaching them." Akaba was born in Tochigi Prefecture. As a student at Josai University she won the silver medal in the 1999 Universiad Half Marathon and again the bronze medal in the 2001 Universiad 10000 m. She joined Team Hokuren in 2002 and set only two personal bests i...
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