Miu Hirano PHOTO:Itaru Chiba
2024 All Japan Table Tennis Championships
Furthermore, in the match between Mima Ito (23 = Starts) and Kasumi Kimura (24 = Top Otome Ping Pongs Nagoya) that was being played at the same time, Ito lost with a game count of 3-4.
As a result, Hirano, the winner, added 50 points to 536 points, while Ito, the loser, added only 20 points to 471.5 points. Since this was the last tournament eligible for selection points, Hirano was virtually confirmed to be on the singles team at the Paris Olympics.
After the match, Hirano agreed to an interview.
■Miu Hirano interview
–How do you feel now that you have been selected to represent the singles team at the Paris Olympics?
I haven’t really felt it yet, but I’m really happy.
I couldn’t have come this far without the support of my family, manager, coaches, and everyone on the team, so I am filled with gratitude and feel blessed by so many people.
–What was the Paris Olympics singles selection race like for Hirano, which lasted less than two years?
I started in 8th place, and at the first selection meeting, I think I showed some embarrassing moments like crying in the hallway and in front of everyone at the end of the match.
This time we had younger athletes coming our way, something I didn’t experience at the Tokyo Olympics, so there were some challenges.
I think that one thing I was able to overcome was that I was able to change myself and win the singles title, which I had not been able to achieve in the previous four years.
–Looking back on the Tokyo Olympics selection race to today
I tried my best not to relive the feelings I had at the Tokyo Olympics.
Last time I was in a lot of pain and wanted to run away from table tennis every day, but this time I didn’t run away and was able to prepare so far. I think I have matured as a person over the past two years.
–If you could give a shout out to yourself since you started aiming for the Olympics, what would it be?
The Olympics have been my dream since I was a child. When I experienced it in Rio in 4th place, I thought it was an enviable stage and I wanted to make it my goal.
From then on, I worked hard with the goal of definitely getting into the 2nd place in singles, but before Tokyo I was at a time when I had won All Japan and Asia championships and had momentum, but I ended up in 3rd place.
This time I was able to overcome the fear of trying again and ending up in the same situation as last time, so I think I will be able to use this experience not only in the game but also in my future life.
–Differences from what I used to be
During the selection process about four years ago, I really hated table tennis and wanted to run away, so I was thinking about how I could escape reality every day, but this time I was able to do it without running away from the time of preparation.
If I look back and think that I didn’t try hard enough, I think the fact that I encouraged myself to do my best from the beginning and was able to finish this selection race all the way to the end is what made me grow from four years ago.
–What was the turning point in this selection race?
Being able to win the third selection event in 2022. I knew that if I won that tournament and didn’t finish in the top 5 at this year’s World Championship, I would fall behind, so I prepared for Ito, who I was scheduled to play against, and the turning point was that I was able to win and win the championship. was.
–About how you were able to grow in terms of technology.
I was confident in my technique, so I was able to improve in terms of how I handled the game and how I demonstrated my skills.
Ito is good at these things, so I was glad that I was able to incorporate them into myself while studying.
–About the change in feelings towards Paris
I had a strong desire to participate in the individual tournament at the Paris Olympics in my table tennis career.
Since I was able to achieve that goal, I think that if I want to compete in singles, I have to beat the Chinese players and get at least a silver medal. I want to grow day by day so that I can show you that kind of side.
–About the Olympics for Hirano
This is the stage I’ve been aiming for since I was little. I hope to be someone who makes people realize that even though they have fallen on the edge many times, if they don’t give up and keep at it with perseverance, their goals and dreams may come true.
–Goals for the Paris Olympics
I want to win a medal when I compete in singles. I can also participate in the team competition, so I would like to beat the Chinese athletes there and win the gold medal.
2024-01-26 11:55:31
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