Interview with Tokyo Parasports Staff Certified Person (2) Athletics (physical)/Prosthetist/Mechanic Atsuro Okino (2019/2/13)
- Atsuo Okino Born in 1978.Representative of Ospo (Okino Sports Prosthetics).
- Has a 13-year career as a prosthetist (as of 2018).He accompanies prosthetic and orthopedic athletes to domestic WPC-sanctioned tournaments to maintain them.He also visits companies and schools to hold simulated prosthetic leg trial sessions for sports.
A ``prosthetist'' performs maintenance of prosthetics and orthotics that support the functions of hands, feet, etc.We interviewed Atsuro Okino, who uses his own track and field experience to support athletes with prosthetics and orthotics.
“I want to stand in the same perspective as the athletes and create prosthetic limbs together with them.”
``I want to make running friends that I can run with. ”
~What kind of work does a prosthetist or orthotist do? ~
Prosthetics and orthotists are nationally qualified professionals.The term "prosthesis" in prosthetics refers to prosthetic arms and legs. "Braces" include knee pads, supporters, corsets, etc. Shoes can also be braces.Prosthetists create things that are worn from head to toe.Strictly speaking, anyone can do the manufacturing itself, but when applying for medical insurance, a prosthetist can take molds, take measurements, and touch patients under the guidance of a doctor. is.
～Why did you decide to become a prosthetist? ~
I was enrolled in the mechanical systems engineering department at university with the intention of building robots in the future, but due to various circumstances I had to repeat the year (lol).I lost my direction in life, wondering if I should continue studying and follow in the footsteps of my classmates a year later.At that time, I watched the Sydney 1 Paralympics on TV and thought that if I combined my favorite athletics, which I had been doing since junior high school, with the robotics technology I had learned in academics, I could create something even better.
Normally, you might think of making a prosthetic leg, having athletes wear it, and sending them to the Paralympic Games and aiming for a gold medal, but in my case, I had no choice but to wear a prosthetic leg. I wanted to run with people who can't run.Rather than winning a gold medal, I have a stronger desire to make friends who I can run with.
~Is there anything you should be careful about as a prosthetist or orthotist? ~
In my case, I don't have any pride, I just want to be able to faithfully reproduce what the players want.If what the players want is different from my image, I will discuss it and revise my image.Then, in the end, we will work it out to a point that the players are satisfied with.
Therefore, I'm not convinced enough to say, "This is better, it's absolutely fine."Partly because I'm inexperienced and don't have much experience, but each person's way of running is different, and even if the same person teaches them, they may end up running in completely different ways.I think there is a way of running that is best for each person, but I would like to discuss even more detailed details with the players to arrive at the best way to run for them.
～What do you think is the role of accompanying people to tournaments and expeditions?Also, do you have any memorable anecdotes? ~
During tournaments and away trips, it's best if I don't have to do anything, and I give the players mental peace of mind by saying, ``Okino, the prosthetist, is here, so if anything happens, we'll be fine.'' I hope we can connect.It's the same as having a doctor accompany you.
However, various things have happened up until now.The biggest problem I had so far was when I was accompanying a javelin thrower, the day before the world championships, the plate in my prosthetic leg snapped, and the only way to fix it was to replace the plate.At that time, the manufacturer who had a support booth provided a board and the problem was resolved, but I was nervous inside.
``Staff who have the same perspective as the players. ”
～Why do you hold running classes for prosthetic leg users? ~
It may be cool to say things like, ``I want people who can't run to learn to run and smile, or to turn negative to positive and return to society,'' but holding a class and saying something like, I just want to increase the number of my running friends by saying, ``Track and field is also fun, so would you like to do it with me?''
I think it's presumptuous of me to suggest that people with prosthetic legs should be allowed to run.I don't want to teach them unilaterally, I want to learn from them too, and I want to make prosthetic legs together and communicate with them.
~Prosthetics and orthotics are evolving day by day, but how do you absorb new technology? ~
There are not many people dealing with sports prosthetics and orthotics in Japan, so there are not many actual examples.That's why I refer to overseas players.When I accompany Japanese athletes to tournaments overseas, I get to go into the warm-up area, so I see their warm-up methods and prosthetics and orthotics, and try to steal their techniques.I enjoy watching the players' prosthetic legs in the warm-up area more than watching the games (lol).
～How does it feel to be certified as a “Tokyo Parasports Staff”?Please let us know your enthusiasm for the future. ~
My skills won't improve just because I'm certified, but I want to keep in mind that I'm attracting attention because I'm certified.I usually spend my time feeling like I'm being watched by others, as it's always being broadcast on TV, so I feel like the number of viewers has increased this time.
～What kind of existence do you think “staff” is? ~
I think each staff member has their own unique character.Some people work together in a friendly manner, while others act as leaders.
This is the kind of character I am, so my stance is to stand on the same level as my friends.I don't think a position like team leader is suitable for me.I would like to work with staff who have the same perspective as the players.
～Please tell me how to refresh when you have free time. ~
I have no boundaries between my hobbies and work.This time is both work and refreshment time.My way of refreshing is like sprinting.Sprint running is over in an instant, so when you run, you concentrate all at once, and once you're done running, you release your tension.Maybe it's good for you mentally to go on and off.My method of refreshing may not be common (lol).
``It would be great if the framework of the sport expanded as a tool sport. ”
~Please give us your expectations and messages of support for athletes using prosthetics and orthotics at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. ~
I think para sports are fun, but the reality is that very few people are able to make a living from para sports.In any case, the number of spectators will increase, the number of players will increase, and star athletes will grow from among them.Furthermore, I hope that as the number of people admiring it and competing increases, sponsors will come in, and the sport as a whole will continue to expand and become economically viable.At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, I would like the seats to be filled to capacity for all competitions.
~Please give some advice to people who use prosthetics and orthotics and want to start competing. ~
There are various prosthetists and orthotists, and some have little understanding of the sport.If you have any difficulty consulting with your prosthetist or orthotist, please come and talk to me.You are always welcome.I want to work with people who come from rural areas and are passionate about it.If you come to the running class held once a month, you can try out a prosthetic leg for competitions.I think it's up to the person himself to make the move.
~What are your expectations for parasports involving prosthetic and orthotic users? ~
I don't really want to call it ``para sports,'' but rather ``tour sports.''It means a sport that uses equipment. The word "parasports" makes me feel that there is a barrier between people with and without disabilities, and normal sports.
In F1 motorsports, while driver technique is important, car body design and mechanics are also important.I believe that sports that use prosthetics and orthotics are the same.I would like people to see this as a tool sport, with competitors as drivers and prosthetic legs and wheelchairs as racing cars.If that happens, even engineers who aren't interested in sports will become interested in things like ``What's going on with that part?'' ``What about that suspension?'' and the scope of sports will expand even further. I think.
Before the interview, I thought Atsuro Okino was more of an engineer, but he was training with the athletes.Because we are moving together with the athletes, we understand the movements of the athletes' bodies, and we use this knowledge to maintain prosthetics and orthotics.It's no wonder that Mr. Okino has so much trust from the players.