4 June 2001
"The third East Asian Games, competition among ten countries and territories were held in Osaka from May 19 to May 27. The track and field competitions were held for the four days from May 23 to May 26 in the Nagai stadium, the site of the IAAF Grand Prix on May 12. The men's hammer throw in the East Asian Games was contested on the third day of the track and field competitions, on May 25. I was able to win the competition with my sixth throw of 79.68m. I was far from being a top shape, and I am not satisfied with my results, but I hope that what I have learned from my win in Osaka will make me a better athlete in the future.
My next competition is the Japanese national championships on June 10. It is a final world championships trials, and thus is a very important competition for Japanese athletes. I will do my best."
Koji
