Yukiko Ueno: Japanese softball superstar doesn't rule out LA28 Olympic Games appearance

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04 Jan 2024 00:17

Japan’s softball icon Yukiko Ueno is more than just a visual symbol, but a reflection of commitment to a well-developed programme and long-time mission in softball.

<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">Photo: Four generations of Japanese softball stardom at the WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup 2023. Pictured with Japan catcher Mao Hashimoto are Taeko Utsugi (left) who managed Reika Utsugi (right) and Yukiko Ueno (centre right) at the Beijing 2008 Olympics; Reika then managed Ueno at the Tokyo Olympics.</blockquote>

<h4>The Woman</h4>

The 41-year-old softball pitcher will be immortalised for throwing the <a href="https://t.co/wwhCQ7gUDP">first-ever Olympic perfect game</a> against China at Athens 2004.

But her golden moments at the Beijing 2008 and <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2021-softball-olympic-games/news/yukiko-uenos-tokyo-2020-gold-medal-adds-to-her-legendary-caereer">Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games</a>, which were 13 years apart, will always be remembered in her country’s sporting history.

That first Olympic gold medal victory increased the sport’s

popularity in Japan, which was also the inspiration behind the ‘Softboys’, a

film based on a true story of the Ushizu High School in Saga Prefecture, where

a group of students formed a softball team to compete at a national tournament.

Ueno’s heroic performances not only heralded success but

also captivated and reinforced the sport’s presence. She has been one of the

few female role models whose presence extended far beyond a decade, not just

for Japan’s younger generations but also for those across the world.

The sports evolution revolved around her long-standing dominance in the circle and her pursuit of excellence never ceases.

“The level of the game is getting higher and higher, and the

players of each country are getting better and better in terms of speed and

others,” Ueno said.

“I think the more experienced players are, the more

interesting their game becomes. Particularly in Japan, more people watch

softball because of the results of the Japanese team at the Olympics. I hope

that the sport will never go out of style in the future.

“I would like to do my best so that softball will always be

a sport that attracts people.”

The Fukuoka native’s game exudes precision, power and

perfection. It brings excitement and energy and conveys passion that players

and fans around the world are drawn to. To put it simply, Ueno is a paragon of

excellence in the sport, leaving a mark of inspiration and motivation for

anyone who witnessed her in action.

With a career that lasted five Olympic cycles, including three Olympic softball editions, the biggest question that comes to mind for the softball fans is whether she will see action at the LA28 Olympics after the announcement of <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/baseball-and-softball-confirmed-as-part-of-olympic-games-los-angeles-2028-sports-programme">softball’s return to the sports programme</a>.

“Frankly speaking, I am very happy that we are able to connect

the dreams of children who are aiming for the Olympics. I hope that the young

people will continue to do their best in softball as they aim for the big stage

at the Olympics,” she said.

“The decision to adopt softball in the Olympics again was

made with the same desire to link the excitement and passion of the Tokyo 2020

Olympic Games to LA28 Olympic Games. I hope to work together with softball

players around the world to make softball a sport that people will support even

Yukiko Ueno: Japanese softball superstar doesn't rule out LA28 Olympic Games appearance

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