Takayuki Suzuki, 34, a gold medalist in swimming at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, said he is diving in headfirst on contributing to the development of sports for the disabled in the international arena during a recent interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun.
Suzuki earned medals in five events at the Tokyo Games, including gold in the 100-meter freestyle in the S4 category for the physically impaired. It was the first gold since the Beijing Games in 2008.
"I felt relieved and filled with joy," said Suzuki, who plans to remain based in Britain.
"First of all, I will train for the world championships and the 2022 Asian Para Games set for next year. I want those who became interested in sports for people with physical disabilities because of the Tokyo Games to take a look at the other tournaments, where I hope I can put up strong performances."
In addition to high-quality training, Suzuki is involved in research on sports for the disabled and sports management at graduate school in Britain.
Last year, he wrote his master's thesis on the subject of classification, in which the types and degrees of disabilities are examined to decide in which class athletes participate. While he trains for athletic competition, he is also writing a doctoral thesis on a new topic.
"I had planned to study in Britain for a year, but it turned into eight years unexpectedly. There is no end to my research activities and language learning, and I want to make the most of my chance to be in England," he said.
During the Tokyo Games, Suzuki filed his membership candidacy for the International Paralympic Committee's Athletes' Council and became the first Japanese to be elected.
The council is an organization that reflects the opinions of athletes on how to manage the Games and to promote athletic competition.
Suzuki, who also had a role in Tokyo's bid to host the 2020 Games, said he became aware of the development of sports for the disabled as a whole while in England.
"I also realized how different Japan and Britain are in terms of the recognition of the Paralympics," Suzuki said. "The extent of the development of the sports also vary among Asian countries. Although each country has different needs, I want to be a bridge for Asian nations in the development of sports as someone who is from the region."
Suzuki will serve on the council through the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
"As a council member I will be able to have more information from other countries and understand the circumstances of the IPC," he said.
As a top para-athlete, he aims to play an active role in a wide range of fields.
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