Feb 27, 2024
Haruka Ogawa from the Track and Field Club wins bronze at the 2024 World University Championships Cross Country
Keyword:INFORMATION
OBJECTIVE.
Haruka Ogawa, from Rikkyo University's Track and Field Club, won the bronze medal in the women's 10 kilometers at the 2024 FISU World University Championship Cross Country event on February 16-18 in Muscat, Oman. Ogawa is a first-year student in the Department of Economic Policy Studies at the College of Economics.
Ogawa earned a spot to represent Japan in the championship after emerging victorious in Japan's qualifying competition for the world championships held at the National Stadium in November 2023. The event also functioned as a competition that motivated student athletes to establish new records in 10,000-meter races.
©The Inter-University Athletics Union of Japan
Thirty-three cross country athletes from 10 countries took part in the 10km event of the world championships. The challenging course included obstacles like logs, grasslands, and knee-deep swamps, with steep inclines and declines. The race took place in sweltering conditions, with a temperature of 31°C.
With only 33 participants – fewer than expected – the athletes faced leg fatigue as they navigated numerous obstacles. However, the pace quickened over time, leading to a suspenseful finish where one athlete would persevere and emerge victorious.
Ogawa persevered until the end of the race, ultimately clinching the bronze medal.
With only 33 participants – fewer than expected – the athletes faced leg fatigue as they navigated numerous obstacles. However, the pace quickened over time, leading to a suspenseful finish where one athlete would persevere and emerge victorious.
Ogawa persevered until the end of the race, ultimately clinching the bronze medal.
©The Inter-University Athletics Union of Japan
©The Inter-University Athletics Union of Japan
Comment
First-year student at the Department of Economic Policy Studies, College of Economics.
Haruka Ogawa
First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported me. Representing Japan for the first time and participating in an international competition were new experiences for me. Despite feeling nervous during the event, the unwavering support I received from many people helped me persevere through the challenges I faced during the race.
I have a tendency to become anxious, even in ordinary circumstances. However, by staying true to myself and closely following the lead runners, I managed to secure third place. The encouragement from my peers, urging me to be myself and strive for success, played a crucial role in my achievement. I am very surprised by the result, which surpassed what I had initially envisioned.
The outcome I attained was made possible by the support of my coach, my fellow athletes in the club, and many other supporters. I am happy to have met your expectations with my performance.
Looking ahead, I am committed to practicing diligently to become a competitive athlete on the global stage, drawing on the valuable lessons I learned from this remarkable experience.
I humbly seek your ongoing support and encouragement.