Struggles Beaten with a Smile: Insights from Sayuri Sugimoto [Athlete Journeys]

Sayuri Sugimoto, a 23-year-old rhythmic gymnast from Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, is gearing up for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as the captain of the national team, Fairy Japan. Sugimoto's journey in rhythmic gymnastics began at the tender age of six, inspired by her older sister who was also a rhythmic gymnast.

Sugimoto's team is focusing on executing several difficult maneuvers in a row to earn higher points, as the ceiling on the difficulty score has been removed. This strategy is crucial, as there are now less than 500 days until Tokyo 2020, and the team's preparation during this time will be vital.

The International Gymnastics Federation has changed the apparatuses used in competition every two years, and for the current period, the apparatuses are the ball and hoop & club. Fairy Japan has been constantly travelling back and forth between Russia and Japan for training.

Sugimoto successfully auditioned for Japan's national B team when she was 13 years old and made the A team in 2013. In 2015, she was part of a squad that earned Japan's first medal in the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in 40 years.

Sugimoto's international rivals include top athletes from countries like Russia, Bulgaria, Italy, and Israel. Notable names include Dina Averina, Boryana Kaleyn, Alexandra Agiurgiuculese, and Linoy Ashram.

In a bid to create a cheerful and engaging spectator experience, Sugimoto and her teammates are planning a 'journey' storyline for their ball performance. Each member of the team has an open-ended destination for their individual performance within the ball routine.

Sugimoto's older sister, who retired from the sport, has become her biggest supporter. Despite a period when Sugimoto considered quitting as captain, her teammates wanted her to stay on. Sugimoto decided to stay on as captain to respond to the feelings of the team's other members.

The 2019 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships will serve as a "preliminary skirmish" before Tokyo 2020. Fairy Japan made a successful start to the 2019 season, winning the group title in ball and hoop & club performances at the Grand Prix of Moscow.

In addition to her role in rhythmic gymnastics, Sugimoto works in Toyota Motor Corporation's External & Public Affairs Division. Despite her busy schedule, Sugimoto remains dedicated to her team and the upcoming Olympics.

As the countdown to Tokyo 2020 continues, Fairy Japan is under increasing pressure to perform well. To cope with this pressure, the team is increasing the pressure on itself during practice by setting success-rate targets for maneuver execution. With hard work and determination, Fairy Japan is aiming to make Japan proud at the upcoming Olympics.