NARITA after winning three titles at the Japan Swimming Championships
NARITA Mio, a second-year student at the School of Information and Communication and a member of Meiji University’s Swimming Club, competed in the 102nd Japan Swimming Championships organized by Japan Aquatics. The championships were held from June 4 to 7 at Tokyo Aquatics Centre in Koto City, Tokyo. NARITA delivered an outstanding performance, winning three titles in the women’s 200m individual medley, women’s 200m backstroke, and women’s 400m individual medley.
On June 4, the opening day of the championships, NARITA won the women’s 200m individual medley in 2:10.25. On June 6, the third day of the meet, she claimed another victory in the women’s 200m backstroke with a time of 2:09.82.
NARITA then advanced to the final with the fastest time in the heats of the women’s 400m individual medley on June 7, the final day of the championships. In the final, she clocked 4:35.16, finishing more than five seconds ahead of the runner-up to secure the title. Against a field of Japan’s top swimmers, NARITA achieved the outstanding feat of winning three events.
Narita competing in the backstroke
Comment from NARITA Mio
I was very happy to win three titles at these championships, something I was unable to achieve at the Japan Swimming Championships in March. After the frustration of falling short of my goal at the previous meet, I took a hard look at myself and continued to work hard. Looking back, there were many areas I needed to reflect on, and at times I wanted to avoid facing my own weaknesses. However, that experience became a source of strength and helped me break out of my shell.
My goals going forward are to win two individual titles and one relay title at the Intercollegiate Swimming Championships, and to win multiple medals, including a gold medal, at this year’s international competitions. With a series of competitions ahead, I know I will need mental and physical toughness, but I want to continue to face myself honestly and step onto the starting block as a stronger swimmer. Thank you for your continued support.
I was very happy to win three titles at these championships, something I was unable to achieve at the Japan Swimming Championships in March. After the frustration of falling short of my goal at the previous meet, I took a hard look at myself and continued to work hard. Looking back, there were many areas I needed to reflect on, and at times I wanted to avoid facing my own weaknesses. However, that experience became a source of strength and helped me break out of my shell.
My goals going forward are to win two individual titles and one relay title at the Intercollegiate Swimming Championships, and to win multiple medals, including a gold medal, at this year’s international competitions. With a series of competitions ahead, I know I will need mental and physical toughness, but I want to continue to face myself honestly and step onto the starting block as a stronger swimmer. Thank you for your continued support.
NARUSHIMA Yoshitoku, KAWANO Hiroo, and KAMIKAWABATA Ei sweep the podium in the men’s 200m butterfly
Meiji swimmers smiling on the podium
（All photos courtesy of Meidai Sports）
In the men’s 200m butterfly held on June 5, the second day of the championships, NARUSHIMA Yoshitoku, a fourth-year student at the School of Political Science and Economics, won the event in 1:55.03. KAWANO Hiroo, a third-year student at the School of Commerce, finished second in 1:55.41, while KAMIKAWABATA Ei, a fourth-year student at the School of Political Science and Economics, placed third with a time of 1:55.77, giving Meiji swimmers a sweep of the podium.
NARUSHIMA also won the men’s 100m butterfly in 51.31 seconds, adding to his 200m title to complete a double at the championships.
Comment from NARUSHIMA Yoshitoku
I was very happy to win my first title and to achieve a double at these championships. I had been going through a difficult period without the results I wanted, but by believing in myself and focusing on what I needed to do to reach my goals, I was able to deliver a strong performance. I was also happy that my performances could bring joy and excitement to everyone who supported me and always told me, “You can definitely do it” — including my coach, managers, teammates, alumni, family, friends, and all of our supporters. Seeing my teammates perform well also made this meet a springboard toward our goal of winning a fourth consecutive title at this summer’s Intercollegiate Swimming Championships with the highest score in team history.
Personally, I want to use the double I achieved at these championships as motivation and contribute to the team so that we can make the Intercollegiate Swimming Championships a memorable meet for many people. Thank you for your continued support.
WATANABE Yuta places third in the men’s 200m individual medley
WATANABE Yuta, a fourth-year student at the School of Business Administration, placed third in the men’s 200m individual medley held on June 6, the third day of the championships, finishing in 1:57.84 to earn a place on the podium.