Tokyo Para Sports Staff Certification Interview
Triathlon coach Rimitsu Tomikawa (2018/12/27)
- Masamitsu Tomikawa Born in 1972.
- Member of Senshu University/Japan Triathlon Union (JTU).
- In 2008, obtained a doctorate (physical education science) from the University of Tsukuba.
- Joined Senshu University's Faculty of Commerce in 2011, and founded the university's triathlon club in 2015.
- Since 2012, he has been the leader of the Paralympic preparation team.
Paratriathlon became an official Paralympic sport starting with the Rio 2016 Paralympics.As the leader of the Paralympic preparation team, we interviewed Rimitsu Tomikawa, who is leading the sport.
``Take care of observation and sensation''
Coaching is tailored to the players. ”
“What the player thinks and what is right for him. ”
～Is there anything you are currently keeping in mind as a coach? ~
I value "observation" and "feeling".
Each player is different, so in order to coach them, I think it is necessary to "observe" and be able to feel how the players are feeling.
For example, instead of saying ``this is the correct way to do this,'' it would be nice to be able to do this, but you have to actually try it out and verify whether it is good or bad for the athlete.In addition, although we sometimes communicate the movement itself, we believe it is important for the athlete to be able to convey how they can achieve that movement in words that share their images and feelings.
When teaching a certain technique, you may end up with a behavior or result that is different from what you intended.This means that the communication was incorrect or the technique was not optimal for that player.Then, in order for the athlete to achieve the movement I am aiming for, I think about which ``feelings'' I need to appeal to in that athlete.
~For example, even if you say lower the center of gravity, do you mean that different players may perceive it differently? ~
The players need to understand, and I need to make an effort to understand, how lowering the center of gravity will affect me and whether it is good or bad for me.If you don't understand the player's situation, condition, and how he or she is feeling, you won't be able to move on to the next step.
~ Is it not possible to measure only by common sense of triathlon? ~
What you need to be aware of is that techniques that are considered correct for non-disabled athletes may not necessarily be correct for paratriathlon athletes.There aren't many research cases or data in parasports, so I think it's something that each individual has to accumulate on their own.The coaching itself, which involves observing the player and listening to what the player is thinking, is the same regardless of whether the player has a disability or not.
~Currently, you are teaching at Senshu University and also coaching competitive athletes. How do you balance this?Also, what do you think the role of universities is? ~
In both cases, I aim to reach a level that will satisfy those around me in my work and competitive coaching. I think I'm doing what I can to make people say, ``I'm doing the right thing, and if I were that guy, I wouldn't be able to help it.''However, I don't know if it's really possible because it's just the evaluations of those around me (lol)
I believe that the roles of universities are "education," "research," and "contribution to society."This is a lesson from my mentor when I was in graduate school. Giving back to society the knowledge gained through education and research leads to social contribution.Of course, the opposite is also true.I believe that coaching today is a ``contribution to society.''
~Are there any good points about balancing both? ~
Many of the teachers at Senshu University's Sports Research Institute are involved in activities with external national sports federations (NF), and some are Olympic gold medalists.It's great to be able to hear their opinions and thoughts while interacting with such people on a regular basis.
NF work is a team effort, so it will be helpful to know what things need to be reported, communicated, and consulted about.I also actively disseminate information to universities, especially within the sports research institute, in order to help people understand more about me and paratriathlon.
～Is there anything that has influenced your teaching and coaching? ～
As expected, I am influenced by my colleagues and seniors at Senshu University, as well as my experiences and mentors from graduate school.By the way, I have three teachers: my teacher from graduate school, my teacher from when I was an athlete, Kenjiro Iijima, and my father.
Apparently, my graduate school mentor studied abroad in the United States several times from the 1970s to the 80s.At the time, the university had a team whose coach was said to have won the most Olympic swimming medals.When a player from that team transfers or quits, the coach extends his hand and says, ``I'm sorry I wasn't able to develop you. Do your best to achieve results with the next team.''
Some people say that coaching is fun.Of course, I think it's because I feel that way that I can continue, and I think that way too.However, I don't think you should enjoy coaching.This is from the coach's perspective, and from the players' perspective, they want to see how the players can make them stronger.I believe that coaching should be like the words of a coach that I heard while studying abroad.
A coach's role is not to teach, but to guide.I think a coach is the one who studies a lot, accumulates information, and can provide suggestions for the players' concerns.
～How does it feel to be certified as a “Tokyo Parasports Staff”?Please let us know your enthusiasm for the future. ~
I feel a sense of responsibility because I was selected and certified by NF.The Tokyo 2020 Games may have been the trigger, but competitions around the world will continue beyond 2021.I think what we need to do is to make paratriathlon more widely known and increase the number of people who support it.
``I would like you to come and see the players at the game. ”
~Please tell us about your future challenges and goals for paratriathlon. ～
Recently, the last World Cup of the season was held in Portugal, where young players from overseas and players who switched from other sports stood out.I think it would be very time-consuming and difficult to teach swim, bike, and run from the beginning, so I wanted to make sure that athletes coming from other sports could practice in a solid environment. I thought it was important to do so.The current domestic athletes have not only competed in triathlon, but have also competed in other sports, so we need to create a team of athletes who can share their strengths and weaknesses.
I also want each athlete to become a person that people think of when they think of paratriathlon, and to become athletes that are looked up to not only for their competitive ability, but also for their personal qualities.I hope I can help with that.
~Please tell us about the appeal and points of the competition that you would like sports fans to pay attention to. ~
Watching a game on TV is completely different from watching it in person.Especially the speed of the bicycle is amazing.For example, when he sees an athlete riding a bicycle with only one leg passing in front of him at breakneck speed, he is overwhelmed and amazed.
In paratriathlons, the ranking changes frequently depending on the strengths and weaknesses of the athletes.Some swimmers are slower but still catch up with the bike and run, while others swim ahead and try to escape.Perhaps the appeal is that an individual's strengths and weaknesses are clearly reflected in the race.
There are also differences in the braces used depending on the disability.Athletes who use prosthetic legs may switch their prosthetic legs from cycling to running during transitions (changing events).We are trying to find ways to shorten the time during transitions, so that is another highlight.It feels just like the pit at an F1 race.
~Do you have any advice for people with disabilities who want to start competing? ~
If you don't use a wheelchair or tandem (two-person bicycle), you can easily participate in regular triathlon races.Why not try racing first?I think that if you go to a race, you will form a community and expand your connections.Many of the athletes are members of triathlon teams.I think it's a good idea to jump into the community first.
~Finally, please tell us about your future prospects for the competition. ~
After all, we want to see more Japanese athletes perform at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, and for them to come and watch them.I hope that from 2020 onwards, paratriathlon will be recognized and an environment will be created where many people will become involved in the sport.
Japan Triathlon Union Paratriathlon Official Site
What is right for players?Coach Tomikawa has a calm "observation" that always puts players first in mind, and a "sensibility" that allows him to understand people's feelings.I believe that he has a foresight that is thinking not only about the Tokyo 2020 Games, but also about the development of the sport as a whole beyond that.