News On Japan

Gymnast Mana Okamura Aims for Olympic Glory and Beyond

MIE, May 27 (News On Japan) - Mana Okamura, 18, who has secured a spot for the Paris Olympics in gymnastics, gave an unexpected answer to 'future dreams,' revealing the ambition to become a pastry chef.

Mana Okamura was seen practicing at her local club in Yokkaichi City in preparation for the upcoming competitions. According to her coach, one of Okamura's strengths is her stability when performing rotations on the balance beam, maintaining a steady axis. However, Okamura herself is not fully satisfied yet, saying, 'I have found many areas to improve, such as my landings and the way I present my skills. I want to refine them so that I can stick my landings perfectly.' Her dedication to gymnastics and her relentless pursuit of improvement seem to support her growth.

When asked about her current landings, she replied, 'I'm satisfied with them now.' Despite her serious demeanor in gymnastics, Okamura has an unexpected side. 'What is this?' she was asked, to which she responded, 'I made this cookie tin with a New Year's theme.' Okamura enjoys baking, and she has made various sweets, including roll cakes. Her hobby of baking provides a relaxing break from her intense training.

When asked about her future dreams, Okamura said, 'I would like to work in a job making sweets, like a pastry chef.' However, her current goal is to win an Olympic medal. 'I want to express my gratitude to all the people who have supported me and cheered for me. I aim to captivate the world with beautiful gymnastics, and I will work with my teammates to win a team medal,' she said.

Source: 東海テレビ NEWS ONE

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology announced that Tohoku University, initially shortlisted, has been formally designated as Japan's first 'International Outstanding Research University,' aiming to achieve world-class research capabilities.

Nissan Motor Co. has announced it will cut 9,000 jobs globally in response to declining business performance.

A monkey has been spotted within the premises of Tokyo Disney Resort after it had moved south along the coast from Urayasu City, where it was seen on November 4th.

A whale shark that mysteriously appeared in a river has been identified as one previously kept at an aquarium in Osaka Prefecture.

Keio Railway launched a pilot program on Wednesday for touch payment ride services using credit cards and similar methods across all its stations.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Sports NEWS

Two players from Japan’s Nadeshiko League have taken the rare step of publicly accusing their club of harassment, naming Diossa Izumo FC as the site of alleged sexual and power harassment by the team’s head coach.

Major League Baseball World Series winner the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their championship with a victory parade in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. City officials estimate that more than 200,000 people attended. (NHK)

The Autumn Garden Party hosted by the Emperor and Empress on Wednesday saw lively conversations and laughter, especially with Haruka Kitaguchi, the javelin throw gold medalist.

Shohei Ohtani suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder during an attempted steal of second base Saturday night, potentially putting his availability for the rest of this World Series in jeopardy. (ESPN)

This June, Tencent E-sports officially launched the “Empower Esports Worldwide Series.”

Archery athlete Takaharu Furukawa, who competed in six consecutive Olympic Games and won a silver medal in the individual event at the 2012 London Olympics, announced on October 21st that he would retire from competition after the All-Japan Championships, which begin on October 25th at Tokyo Yumenoshima Park Archery Field.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Third Round AFC Asian Qualifier, Australia v Japan, at Saitama Stadium 2002 on Tuesday 15 October. (Football Australia)

Professional golfer Ai Miyazato hosted the 5th Ai Miyazato Invitational Supported by SUNTORY, a junior girls' tournament held in her hometown of Okinawa.