Interview with Tokyo Athlete Certified Athlete (25) Yoshikoshi Sori (Meguro Ward) Equestrian (2018/02/22)
【profile】
Yoshigoe Sousou Born August 2000, 8 Enrolled at Hiji Private High School
2017 2017 Para Dressage Tournament XNUMXst place (overall results)
2017 Para Dressage 2017.8 Competition XNUMXst Place (Overall Results)
2017 63rd Tokyo Equestrian Tournament XNUMXst place (Grade XNUMX)
Aiming for the Tokyo Paralympics with family and horses
~When I was a child, I couldn't stop laughing when I rode a horse~
Due to cerebral palsy on the right side of his body and lower limbs, Kano Yoshikoshi was told by doctors that he might not be able to walk soon after he was born.Yoshikoshi first encountered horses when he was an infant and had not yet sat up.As part of his rehabilitation, his doctor recommended horseback riding.Due to cerebral palsy, he had no core strength at all, so he first started riding horses while sitting on his mother's lap.Over the years, he was gradually able to ride on his own, and although he was told he might not be able to walk, his core was strengthened until he was able to walk before starting school. was.And he grew to love horseback riding so much that he couldn't stop laughing whenever he rode a horse.
``From the beginning, I had no fear of riding a horse.I was very happy that even though I can't walk, when I got on the horse and gave instructions, it walked exactly as I wanted.The horse became my legs and walked. It seemed like he was taking care of me, and I wanted to ride horses every day."
~My path as an equestrian athlete decided upon the decision to host the Tokyo Paralympic Games~
The morning after he saw the news that the Tokyo Paralympics would be held, he told his family of his decision, ``I'm going to participate in the Tokyo Paralympics as an equestrian athlete.''However, he faced some hardships before making his decision.Currently, there are very few equestrian athletes and very few Paralympic participants, and there is not enough support for athletes.Therefore, all expenses related to overseas competitions and maintenance of the horses, etc., must be paid by the individual.When he thought about his family, who had supported him up until now, he could not easily say that he would continue competing.From an early age, he took up horse riding and swimming as part of his rehabilitation.He was so good at swimming that he had a full-time coach who believed he could aim for competitions, so there was a time when he thought, ``I should pursue my career as a swimmer.''However, his love for horses, which he had been with since childhood, and his passion for competition grew day by day.Meanwhile, it has been decided that the Tokyo Paralympic Games will be held.Now is the only time to express your feelings.Then, he announced his decision in front of her family.
“When I saw the news that the Tokyo Paralympic Games would be held, my passion for equestrianism suddenly overflowed and I decided to tell my family right away.I knew it would be a big burden on my parents, but I wanted to support them. I want to give back to my family and the horses that have given me so much. That's why I really wanted to show my success at the Tokyo Paralympics."
Yoshikoshi's fight for the Tokyo Paralympics has just begun.
～An encounter with a coach whose wind direction changed drastically～
In preparation for his participation in the Tokyo Paralympic Games, he moved from place to place in search of a club that would take him on as a coach.However, there are few clubs that accept players with disabilities, and the situation has been difficult.I finally decided on the Shizuoka Horse Riding Club, which I currently belong to.Nobumasa Asakawa, a participant in the London Paralympics, took on the role of coach.As a Paralympic participant, Mr. Asakawa's guidance is accurate and easy to understand.Although he has only been coaching for a few years, he has consistently achieved high scores in the games he has participated in.Even now, he rides the Shinkansen every weekend, staying at his coach's house and practicing until Sunday.He lives a life devoted to equestrianism, staying overnight for a month during summer vacations and other long vacations to practice.
``Coach Asakawa stays with me not only every weekend, but also for a month during summer vacation. Coach Asakawa's family is like another family to me. If you follow this coach, you will definitely do well.'' I trust him so much that I think he can produce results!”
In addition, he became a designated athlete for the central sports organization, and the environment around him changed significantly.
``I've been able to get priority permission to go to overseas training camps that I couldn't go to before. Also, I've received more generous support from sports organizations, and I've been able to gain a lot of experience in a variety of places.''
~The Tokyo Paralympics are a dream and a passing point~
Last August, Yoshikoshi achieved the highest score in Japanese para equestrian history.As he is receiving a lot of attention, he is determined to gain more experience overseas.
``In order to participate in the Tokyo Paralympics, the key point is the results of competitions overseas rather than in Japan.Also, the format is different from Japan, and we have to rent horses each time and build a relationship of trust from scratch, so it takes a lot of experience. I have a lot of things to say. I still don't have much experience competing overseas, so I want to actively participate in competitions from now on."
Also, participating in the Tokyo Paralympics is a dream, but at the same time, I would like to see it as a milestone in my future.
“Of course, competing at the Tokyo Paralympics is my number one dream right now.However, I don't want to stop there, I want to participate in the next Paralympic Games, and the next Paralympic Games, so that I can give back to my coaches, the people who supported me, and the horses. I would like to see more of them in action.”
With Yoshikoshi's passionate determination, I am looking forward to his future successes.
～My strengths and highlights～
Yoshikoshi's strength is his "acting ability that combines both horse and rider."Communication is possible because you are always thinking about the horse.This is a skill that can only be achieved by having a strong desire to work together with the horse, not just yourself.
"Before a match, I always try to show my motivation and enthusiasm to the horse. When I say, ``I'm definitely going to win,'' the horse understands how I'm feeling, and I'm able to give my best performance. ''Also, he never misses a conversation with his horses.
``I think it's important to communicate not only before a match, but also on a regular basis.In order to show everyone my best performance in a match, I always have casual conversations and show my horse my physical condition. We have built a relationship of trust where people understand us."
~How Yoshikoshi spends his days off~
Yoshikoshi, who declares without hesitation that ``horses are more than lovers to me,'' is always thinking about horses even on his days off.
``Even when I'm tired, I can relax when I think about horses.I believe that I am who I am today because I was able to meet horses, so even on my days off, I study horses' bodies and what kind of instructions I should give them.'' I can't help but think about the horse, wondering if it moves easily (lol).
In addition, I carry a tablet and regulations book with me every day to carefully check my route.
“Equestrian regulations often change quickly, so I always read the regulations and memorize them in my head as if I were reading a book.Also, I have an app on my tablet that allows me to enter routes, so We are carefully checking the important points and highlights."
~Yoshikoshi's pre-game routine work and competitive meals~
Yoshikoshi, who often travels overseas and to other regions for games and practices, has ``salt rice balls'' as his match meal.Salt rice balls, which are available at convenience stores and other places, are a comforting taste for Yoshikoshi.Therefore, when you eat it, you can get a feel of your daily life, and you can compete without feeling nervous.Also, when his family comes to watch a game, he always asks his mother to give him a massage.By receiving a massage, your body, which is stiff from pre-game tension, can loosen up and relax.
The secret to Yoshikoshi's strength seems to lie in the comforting taste and reliable massage.