Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 29) – Kiyomi Watanabe, the first Filipina Olympian judoka, has a strong chance to put up a good performance in the Tokyo Olympics next month.
The assessment was made by Philippine Judo Federation President Dave Carter during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday, saying Watanabe possesses the heart and strength to possibly win a medal for the country.
“Lahat po posible. Mahirap kapag sinabi natin ngayon na hindi kaya ni Kiyomi tapos sorpresahin tayo niyan. Hindi natin nililimitahan ang kakayahan ng ating manlalaro dahil malakas po ang player nating ito,” said Carter.
[Translation: Anything is possible. We cannot underestimate Kiyomi because she may surprise us. We’re not limiting the capability of our player because she is strong.]
Carter said the 24-year-old Filipina Japanese judo sensation needs to win five to six matches to win the coveted gold medal for the country.
The Olympic judo competitions will use a single elimination with quarterfinal repechage format, where those who lose in the quarterfinals still have a shot to land a podium finish.
The Philippine judo boss also said Watanabe is familiar with her opponents as she has beaten some of them in past international judo competitions.
“She can easily beat judokas from Oceania and America, but she will have a hard time with Brazilian athletes. She needs to be careful with her European opponents particularly France, Slovenia, and Germany. Here in Asia, she’s not afraid to battle because Kiyomi can handle them,” said Carter.
Carter bared that Watanabe underwent a high-altitude training last weekend with her Japanese coach to increase her stamina. Watanabe also spars with male judokas to boost her strength while preparing for the Tokyo Olympics.
“It is an advantage dahil naa-absorb po nitong mga female athletes ‘yung strength and technique ng mga lalaki. Nakakapag-adjust sila and this is to anticipate stronger opponents pagdating sa competition,” Carter explained.
[Translation: It is an advantage because the female athletes are absorbing the strength and technique of their male counterparts. They are able to adjust and this is to anticipate stronger opponents during the competition.]
Win or lose in the Summer Games, Carter said Watanabe will always be proud to represent the Philippines in the international stage.
