In this article we will explore the topic of Naoki Tsukahara, a concept that has intrigued humanity for centuries. From its origin to its relevance in today's society, Naoki Tsukahara has been the subject of debate and fascination in multiple areas. Throughout history, Naoki Tsukahara has played a crucial role in forming thoughts, actions and beliefs in different cultures around the world. Furthermore, its influence extends to areas as diverse as science, religion, politics, and popular culture. Through this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Naoki Tsukahara, exploring its many facets and its impact on contemporary society.
![]() Tsukahara at the 2010 Japan Championship | |
Personal information | |
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Nationality | ![]() |
Born | Okaya, Nagano | 10 May 1985
Height | 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) |
Weight | 77 kg (170 lb) |
Sport | |
Sport | Running |
Event(s) | 100 metres, 200 metres |
University team | Tokai University |
Club | Fujitsu Track & Field Team |
Retired | 2016[1] |
Achievements and titles | |
Personal best(s) | 100m: 10.09 s (Hiroshima 2009) 200m: 20.35 s (Yokohama 2006) |
Medal record |
Naoki Tsukahara (塚原 直貴, born 10 May 1985) is a Japanese track and field sprinter who specialises in the 100 metres.[2]
He was seventh in 100 m at the 58th National Sports Festival of Japan in 2003. After coming sixth over 200 m at the 2004 Japan Student Athletics Championships, he returned two years later to place runner-up in both short sprints. The 2006 Japan Championships in Athletics saw him with the 100 m title and take third in the 200 m.
Tsukahara represented Japan at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing where he competed at the 100 metre sprint and placed second in his first heat after Churandy Martina in a time of 10.39 seconds. He qualified for the second round in which he improved his time to 10.23 seconds, finishing third behind Martina and Michael Frater. In the 100 m semi-finals Tsukahara achieved a time of 10.16 seconds, his best of the season, but finished in seventh place, failing to qualify for the final.[2]
Together with Shingo Suetsugu, Shinji Takahira and Nobuharu Asahara, Tsukahara also competed in the 4x100 metres relay final at the 2008 Summer Olympics. In their qualification heat, the team placed second behind Trinidad and Tobago, ahead of the teams from the Netherlands and Brazil. Their time of 38.52 s was the third fastest out of sixteen participating nations in the first round and they qualified for the final. There they sprinted to a time of 38.15 seconds, placing third after the Jamaican and Trinidad teams, winning the bronze medal.[2] However, in January 2017, Jamaica's gold medal was revoked after one of their athletes was found to have been doping, meaning that the Japanese team received silver. The achievement was a historic one in terms of Japanese olympians; it is the first track medal won by Japanese athletes in 80 years, as well as being the first medal won by male Japanese athletes.[3]
Tsukahara had a strong start to the 2009 season, improving his 200 m best in early May to 20.61 s. He also set a new 100 m personal best at the 2009 Osaka Grand Prix. He easily won with a time of 10.13 seconds but still felt that he was capable of running faster.[4]
Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event | Notes |
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Representing ![]() | |||||
2004 | World Junior Championships | Grosseto, Italy | 12th (sf) | 100m | 10.55 (wind: +0.3 m/s) |
3rd | 4 × 100 m relay | 39.43 (relay leg: 4th) | |||
2006 | World Cup | Athens, Greece | 3rd | 4 × 100 m relay | 38.51 (relay leg: 1st)[5] |
Asian Games | Doha, Qatar | 2nd | 100 m | 10.34 (wind: +0.3 m/s) | |
2nd | 4 × 100 m relay | 39.21 (relay leg: 1st) | |||
2007 | World Championships | Osaka, Japan | 20th (qf) | 100 m | 10.31 (wind: -0.3 m/s) |
5th | 4 × 100 m relay | 38.03 (relay leg: 1st) AR | |||
2008 | Olympic Games | Beijing, China | 13th (sf) | 100 m | 10.16 (wind: +0.3 m/s) |
2nd | 4 × 100 m relay | 38.15 (relay leg: 1st) | |||
2009 | World Championships | Berlin, Germany | 15th (sf) | 100 m | 10.25 (wind: -0.2 m/s) |
4th | 4 × 100 m relay | 38.30 (relay leg: 2nd) | |||
Asian Championships | Guangzhou, China | 2nd | 100 m | 10.32 (wind: -0.1 m/s) | |
1st | 4 × 100 m relay | 39.01 (relay leg: 2nd) | |||
2010 | Continental Cup | Split, Croatia | 2nd | 4 × 100 m relay | 39.28 (relay leg: 2ndg)[6] |
2013 | Asian Championships | Pune, India | 7th | 100 m | 10.54 (wind: -0.3 m/s) |
Event | Best | Location | Date |
---|---|---|---|
100 metres | 10.09 s | Hiroshima, Japan | 27 June 2009 |
200 metres | 20.35 s | Yokohama, Japan | 21 May 2006 |