Koji Murofushi shows the kids his hammer technique (© Getty Images)
"How are you everyone? The year (2007) has come to an end. Because this year’s World Championships in Athletics were held in Osaka, I would imagine that many people have started to like Japan.
"A historic heat wave that hit Osaka this summer may have been a reason why some athletes had trouble at the World Championships; it will be good if we can renew our enthusiasm once again in the upcoming Beijing Olympics.
"As for the recent activities in my life, I, as a representative of athletes, spoke about sports at the Liberal Democrat’s (leading political party) headquarter on 11 December. Along with the movement toward promoting Sports, there is a plan for establishing a “Ministry of Sports” by 2009. The new government ministry will be responsible for helping athletes improve athletic performances as well as funding for athletics.
"We had a chance to discuss many topics such as doping, women in sports, and improving the status of athletes. I think it will be very good if the Japanese government became interested in promoting the sports as it is done in many other countries in the world.
"Next on 15 and 16 December I have attended, in Birmingham, England, a throwing conference sponsored by Ron Pickering Fund. I, of course, was in charge of the Hammer Throw.
"On the first day, I have demonstrated the actual training methods for the Hammer Throw and gave instructions to young athletes. On the second day, the competitions were held. Several former hammer throwers, who have competed against my father in the past, were also in attendance. We have taken photos together, and they have encouraged me as if I were their son. It was very moving.
"Many people including those from Scotland and Ireland, the original home of the Hammer Throw, were in attendance, and they all welcomed a hammer thrower from the far away land of Japan. I hope that many splendid athletes will develop in the region, and as many athletes as possible will participate in the 2012 London Olympic Games.
"Finally, together with all of you, I would like to make 2008 a great year."
Koji
