Japanese gymnast Mai Murakami quietly finished her qualifying rounds at the Tokyo Games on Sunday with almost no reporters waiting to talk to her. The day before, media swarmed Japan's men's team as they finished at the top of the pack.
Murakami, 24, and described by some sports watchers as possibly Japan's best-ever female gymnast, takes it all in her stride, acknowledging that superior performances by the men's team over the years - gold or silver in every Olympics since Athens 2004 - make the difference in public and media interest.
Japanese gymnastics watchers say that, with strong sponsorship backing both women's and men's teams, it comes down mainly to a question of star power - a lack of somebody to inspire girls to take up the sport. "There isn't such a role model for the women, so girls good in sports don't choose it - and with women's gymnastics, you really have to get going at a young age."She's already taken on a mentoring role, advising younger team mates on technique, and also providing emotional support. When another Japanese gymnast, Yuna Hiraiwa, wept after her performance on the uneven bars, Murakami embraced her and wiped her tears away.
"Since I made mistakes, I personally am rather regretful," she said, adding that tension created by an empty arena - with fans banned due to the coronavirus - had affected her.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
How To Watch US Women's Gymnastics Compete In The 2021 Tokyo OlympicsHere's how to watch the US Women's Gymnastic Team compete in Tokyo.
Consulte Mais informação »
Olympics Gymnastics- For medals, U.S. women face biggest opponents - each otherMykayla Skinner finally made the U.S. women’s Olympics 2020 gymnastics team after being left off the Rio 2016 squad.
Consulte Mais informação »
How To Watch US Women's Gymnastics Compete In The 2021 Tokyo OlympicsHere's how to watch the US Women's Gymnastic Team compete in Tokyo.
Consulte Mais informação »
Why Wasn't Simone Biles at the Olympics Opening Ceremony? Don't Worry, She Still Got to Celebrate!Watch Simone Biles and USA Men's and Women's Gymnastics team at their own private opening ceremony at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo to stay safe from COVID.
Consulte Mais informação »
This Japanese Singer’s Dreamy Olympics Gown Set the Internet AlightDesigned by the rising Japanese fashion star Tomo Koizumi and worn by singer-songwriter Misia, the dress was a colorful opener to this year’s Tokyo Olympics.
Consulte Mais informação »