Society

Japan's Takagi claims first gold after three silvers

Feb 18 (NHK) - Japanese speed skating star Takagi Miho has grabbed her first gold of Beijing, winning the women's 1000 meters.

The race was her final chance to stand atop the podium at a Games where she had already collected 3 silvers.

Takagi pumped her fist after crossing the finish line with an Olympic record time.

The captain of team Japan will leave Beijing with four medals in five events. Her total of seven overall is the most by any winter Olympian from Asia.

Takagi said afterward she was physically exhausted heading into the event, and was glad to be able to make it through one final race.

Takagi said, "I was happy to win the gold, but even happier because I was finally able to race my best." ...continue reading

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