The skill levels of para-athletes are steadily getting better and better. The Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics certainly made many people aware of this fact.
The Games have come to a close. Hard-fought contests unfolded in 80 medal events across six sports.
There must be many people who watched in amazement at the dynamic skiing of athletes in sports such as alpine skiing.
The Paralympics had been viewed as an extension of the social welfare and rehabilitation process. But now, the previous description of it as merely "a sports festival for people with disabilities" does not fit at all.
The 12th Winter Paralympics were, without a doubt, an occasion at which athletes competed furiously with each other. These athletes displayed the results of intense training on this major stage and provided many moments of inspiration and hope.
Athletes from a record 48 nations and territories competed at the Paralympics. Athletes from Russia, which was not allowed to send a delegation after revelations of systematic doping, were permitted to participate individually as "neutral Paralympic athletes."
Russia had gone so far as to commit doping violations in its quest to win medals. It can be said that the Russian scandal vividly illustrates the dark side of the heightened competitiveness of the Paralympics.
Compared with the International Olympic Committee's stance, the International Paralympic Committee has stuck to a resolute approach to Russia. This is vital for protecting the value of the Paralympics.
Japan's athletes excelled
Japanese athletes won 10 medals in Pyeongchang, eclipsing the six medals won at the Sochi Winter Paralympics in 2014. This was a magnificent result. Among the Japanese athletes, alpine skier Momoka Muraoka's gritty efforts to win five medals, including one gold, were sensational.
It also must not be forgotten that Japan's technological prowess supported the fine showing by the nation's athletes. The involvement of Toyota Motor Corp. employees in the development of an improved sit-ski is a classic example of this. It is hoped that more companies will deepen their understanding of the Paralympics and offer wider support for athletes.
One aspect that causes concern is that the lineup of athletes is tending to be similar each time.
It is essential that young talent be unearthed so Japan can broaden its para-athletes base. Simple efforts, such as increasing opportunities for medalists to speak about their experiences, are necessary to achieve this.
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike and officials visited Pyeongchang to inspect the Games. With regard to barrier-free measures around competition venues and at railway stations, Koike said, "There could be some creative solutions to deal with problems such as getting rid of small differences in levels."
Empty seats were conspicuous at many Pyeongchang venues. How can excitement in the Paralympics, which is held after the Olympic Games, be lifted? Organizers must put their thinking caps on to deal with this issue at the Tokyo Paralympics to be held in 2020.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 22, 2018)
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