(From left) President UENO, SATO, MARUYAMA and Chairman of the Board of Trustees YANAGIYA
At the presentation ceremony, held in the VIP Room on the Surugadai Campus, President UENO Masao, who also serves as Head of the Meiji University Athletic Association, presented both athletes with certificates and commemorative medals. Recognizing the efforts of the two athletes, who overcame difficulties to compete on the Olympic stage, President UENO praised their achievements, saying, “These accomplishments would never have been possible without their strength as individuals. What they have shown has deeply moved people around the world, and Meiji University is proud of them.” In his congratulatory remarks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees YANAGIYA said, “The way they continued to go forward truly embodies the spirit of Meiji University. They have set an excellent example for the students who follow them.”
MARUYAMA Nozomi
A former member of the Meiji University Ski Club, MARUYAMA won bronze medals in the women’s individual normal hill and the ski jumping mixed team event at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. She also finished eighth in the women’s individual large hill.
Comment from MARUYAMA
My four years at Meiji University were an irreplaceable time in which I was able to grow both as an athlete and as a person. Whenever I faced difficulties, I drew strength from my peers, as we challenged and encouraged one another while pursuing our respective dreams. In Milano, carrying everyone’s passionate support with me, I put everything I had into a single jump. I will use this award as encouragement and continue moving forward with pride as a Meiji University graduate and with the ‘Go Forward’ spirit in my heart, so that I can continue to bring dreams and courage to others.
SATO Shun
A member of the Meiji University Skating Club, SATO won a silver medal in the figure skating team event and a bronze medal in the men’s singles at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Comment from SATO
When the Skating Club coach told me that I would receive the award, I was surprised but also extremely happy. I am honored to receive this valuable award from Meiji University, with its long tradition. As a Meiji University student, I will continue working to balance skating with university life while also taking on new challenges. I hope to turn this experience into strength and aim for a gold medal next time.
Meiji University Lifetime Achievement Award
The award is presented to individuals and organizations selected from among students, faculty members, alumni (alumni and alumnae) at Meiji University, who have made outstanding achievements in the fields of academic, culture, sports, etc., and who are recognized as having contributed to the promotion and development of education and research at Meiji University. Previous recipients of this award include AKU You, HOSHINO Senichi, and KITANO Takeshi, as well as, more recently, HIGUCHI Wakaba, who graduated from the School of Commerce in 2023 and won a silver medal in the figure skating team event at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Maruyama and Sato became the 38th and 39th recipients of the award, respectively.