Athlete Takashi Kawamoto encourages: Strive hard, not merely for personal gain, but for the delight of those who back you [Sports Features]

In the world of competitive swimming, Takeshi Kawamoto, a butterfly specialist from Japan, is making waves. Known for his exceptional dolphin kick, Kawamoto is considered Singapore's Joseph Schooling's biggest rival.

Kawamoto's ambition extends beyond mere competition. He strives for the "ultimate way to swim," constantly analyzing his performance to identify mistakes and areas for improvement. This dedication led him to attend the same strength training for swim sprinters as Schooling in Singapore, challenging his rival in high-level training overseas.

Kawamoto's journey to Singapore was not for leisure or business. He travelled there to hone his "warrior" skills, ready to face his rival on the world stage. This determination was sparked by Schooling's performance at the Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016. Inspired, Kawamoto believes he, too, can win against his rival.

Kawamoto's hard work paid off at the FINA World Aquatic Championships, where he won the 100-meter event, giving him his first taste of victory on the world stage. However, his success was short-lived. Soon after joining Toyota Motor Corporation in April 2017, Kawamoto injured his right elbow, which required a two-month healing period and prevented him from swimming.

Despite this setback, Kawamoto remains focused and determined. He takes a discerning approach to self-care, focusing on his physical condition and mental well-being after competitions. His motto, "Do your best and let the heavens do the rest," drives him to beat his rivals and win a medal at Tokyo 2020.

Kawamoto's supporters, including Kishida, have guided him forward, implementing the PDCA cycle to help him navigate the pressure. His strong competitive spirit, honed since elementary school, fuels his desire to compete in national swim meets. Despite the immense pressure he feels to deliver positive results, Kawamoto's outlook was reset after receiving kind support from others, and he decided to do his best not just for himself but for the joy of those who support him.

During training sessions, Kawamoto and Schooling are paired for sprints, showcasing their strong dolphin kicks and strokes. In October 2018, Kawamoto won twice at the qualifying trials for the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), tying and setting new Japanese records.

As swimming is a popular spectator sport in Japan, the swimming venue at Tokyo 2020 is expected to find a full crowd cheering on top swimmers from around the world, including Kawamoto. With his sights set on gold, Kawamoto continues to train hard, ready to make his mark on the world stage.

Athlete Takashi Kawamoto encourages: Strive hard, not merely for personal gain, but for the delight of those who back you [Sports Features]