Feb 13, 2025
Eri Ogihara of College of Community and Human Services is a member of the first Japanese national team to win gold medal in women’s curling at the Winter World University Games.
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Eri Ogihara, a fourth-year student at the College of Community and Human Services, and her teammates on the Japanese national women's curling team won a gold medal at the FISU Winter World University Games, which were held from January 13 to 23, 2025, in Torino, Italy. This is the first time a Japanese curling team has won a gold medal at the Games, and the gold is the first medal won by a Japanese team at the Games since the national team secured the bronze in 2007.
Eri Ogihara during a training session.
The team members are all smiles as they celebrate at the victory podium (Eri Ogihara is on the far left).
The women’s curling event of the FISU Winter World University Games※ is attended by 10 teams from 10 countries across the world. Ogihara was chosen as a member of the national team at a qualifying competition held in May 2024 and represented Japan in the Games.
※The Games are international multi-sport competitions for university students, organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) every two years. They were formerly referred to as the Universiade.
The preliminary round was conducted in a round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the final league. The Japanese team secured second place in the preliminary round with a record of 7 wins and 2 losses, earning them a spot in the final league. The Japanese team faced off against the South Korean team in a closely contested final that went into overtime. All members of the Japanese team delivered outstanding performances, ultimately clinching the gold medal.
※The Games are international multi-sport competitions for university students, organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) every two years. They were formerly referred to as the Universiade.
The preliminary round was conducted in a round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the final league. The Japanese team secured second place in the preliminary round with a record of 7 wins and 2 losses, earning them a spot in the final league. The Japanese team faced off against the South Korean team in a closely contested final that went into overtime. All members of the Japanese team delivered outstanding performances, ultimately clinching the gold medal.
Comment
The national team members each hold a gold medal (Eri Ogihara at far right)
Eri Ogihara
Fourth-year student, Department of Sport and Wellness, College of Community and Human Services
I am overjoyed to have participated in the World University Games, which was my goal during my time at university, and to have won the championship. This victory was achieved by team members, each of whom performed to their full potential, supported one another, and worked together as a united force.
Since the team members were selected in a qualifying competition, the time we played together was limited. But we all shared a passion to win, which was a major factor in our victory.
I had the opportunity to interact with international athletes from various events in my age group, which provided me with invaluable experiences. My days as a student will soon end, but I intend to dedicate my time to both my academic studies and the sport of curling. I greatly appreciate your continued support.
Fourth-year student, Department of Sport and Wellness, College of Community and Human Services
I am overjoyed to have participated in the World University Games, which was my goal during my time at university, and to have won the championship. This victory was achieved by team members, each of whom performed to their full potential, supported one another, and worked together as a united force.
Since the team members were selected in a qualifying competition, the time we played together was limited. But we all shared a passion to win, which was a major factor in our victory.
I had the opportunity to interact with international athletes from various events in my age group, which provided me with invaluable experiences. My days as a student will soon end, but I intend to dedicate my time to both my academic studies and the sport of curling. I greatly appreciate your continued support.
*In line with the reorganization of the College of Community and Human Services, the College of Sport and Wellness was established in April 2023. As a result, students who entered the Department of Sport and Wellness are now affiliated with the College of Sport and Wellness.