Office for Sports Promotion

【profile】
Koji Sugeno Born August 1981, 8.Belongs to Recruit Co., Ltd.
Disability: Cervical spine injury
2017, 2018 All Japan Wheelchair Tennis Masters (Quad) Champion
2018 Asian Para Games Singles (Quad) runner-up
2018 Asian Para Games Doubles (Quad) Champion

By converting to quad class
Setting a vision for the Tokyo 2020 Games

~Please tell us how you started playing wheelchair tennis. ~

~Please tell us a story about when you first started. ~

Before playing wheelchair tennis, I used to play wheelchair basketball, so I felt comfortable moving around in a wheelchair.However, it was very difficult to hit the ball with a racket.Still, everyone had fun and had fun.

~Are there any matches that left an impression on you? ~

The "BNP Paribas Open de France" held in France in June 2018 left a lasting impression on me.

After switching to the quad class, he began to mainly compete in overseas tournaments in 2018, and won the international tournament, defeating the world No. 1 and No. 3 players at the time.I was very happy.I decided to try harder.

~What made you switch to quad class? ~

~How was it when you transferred to the quad class? ~

After deciding to take on the challenge, I set a vision for myself leading up to the Tokyo 1 Games through the first and second years. My goal was to be ``No. 2 in Japan'' in my first year and ``No. 2020 in Asia'' in my second year, but I ended up in 1nd place at the Asian Para Games.Although I wasn't able to achieve my goal, I think I was able to gain a lot of experience by experiencing the difficulty of playing on a big stage and the pressure of representing Japan.

Until now, I had no experience of participating in a tournament as a representative of Japan.I learned how difficult it is to perform at a conventional level when people around me have high expectations of me, and I'm glad I was able to experience that before the Tokyo 2020 Games.

~ How do you balance competition and work? ~

On weekdays, my schedule is to work three days a week and practice two days a week, and when it comes to competing, I prioritize the competition.I think it can be difficult to do my job if I'm not in the office that much, but the company has helped me a lot by adjusting my work environment.

Currently, I am also involved in public relations for the company, and publish stories from my field trips in the company newsletter.I hope that my competitive tennis activities can give back to the company even a little.

I started competing seriously at the age of 35, which is quite late for my age, so it's physically demanding to devote myself solely to competitions, and by balancing work with work, I'm able to maintain a pace that doesn't strain my body. So, I may be able to do my activities in a well-balanced manner.

~ How does it feel to be selected as a “Tokyo Athlete Certified Athlete”? ~

I feel that I have to work hard.

In 2017, I transferred to the quad (mixed upper and lower limb disability) class and started aiming to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Games, and I think the expectations of those around me increased.This feeling is growing stronger in order to meet her expectations.

~What are your goals and challenges for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics? ~

~Are there any players you consider to be your rivals? ~

These are 3 players who are ranked higher than me.After all, there are some things that stand out from him compared to other players, so he may be more of a goal than a rival.Some overseas athletes continue to compete in harsh environments, and some compete in competitions with the feeling that they are supporting their country, or risking their lives.I lack that kind of hunger.In that sense, I think my rivals are all the players I play against.

~What do you do on your days off or in your free time? ~

Nothing in particular, but I try to relax by reading comic books, watching variety shows on TV, and doing things that make me laugh out loud.

~Do you have any favorite or recommended places in Tokyo? ~

I live in Tokyo, but I don't spend much time there.If I had to say, I often go to Odaiba to eat.There, I choose a restaurant according to my wife's request (lol).

It is because of my wife that I am able to live my life as an athlete, so I always try to remember to be grateful to my wife.

~Please give some advice to people with disabilities who want to try sports. ~