People :
Waseda Track Club 110-Meter Hurdler
Mr. Takashi Godo

Takashi Godo Takashi Godo was born in Kagawa Prefecture in 1983, and graduated from Kan’nonji First High School. He is currently a senior at the school of Political Science and Economics, and is enrolled in Prof. Shojiro Koga’s Seminar. He was placed first in the 110-meter hurdle event at the 73rd Japan-Intercollegiate Meet in 2004, at the same time breaking his club record. He hopes to participate in the National Athletic Meet in October.

In the world of Japanese Track and Field the Waseda Track Club’s maroon uniform stands out. Only members chosen to represent the Club at intercollegiate meets have the privilege of wearing this distinctive uniform. Takashi Godo, a fine athlete who is also the holder of the club record in the 110m hurdle event, says, “We’re a small club but the standard is very high. Competing at this level is a constant challenge.”

Takashi’s deep, relaxed voice and his piercing eyes give the impression that he’s much older than he really is. “The tension lasts only as far as the starting block,” he says. “Once the race begins I can begin to focus on my running and make adjustments.” There are exceptions, however. “I’m really stressed out when I try to run the 400m. That’s the really tough distance. I sometimes forget to use polite language when addressing my seniors. But they’re very nice about it.”

One of the interesting things about hurdle races is that the best runner doesn’t always come first. Upsets can and do happen. Even the best athletes can hit a hurdle and throw themselves completely off their stride. Making full use of his above-average height, Takashi started running in hurdle races when he was in junior high school. For the next ten years his constant goal has been to cover the 9.14 meters between each 106 cm hurdle in exactly 3 strides.

Yu Isoshige, an alumnus of the Track Club and now a professor at the School of Sport Science, is the team manager. “I might never have got involved with track and field if I hadn’t met Prof. Isoshige,” says Takashi.

Since Prof. Isoshige took over, there have been marked changes in both the way the Club trains and the attitude of its members, who now have more opportunities to receive relevant and objective advice, and no longer have to rely on their own intuition.

Takashi has still not recovered completely from an injury he suffered earlier this season but nevertheless managed to come fourth in the intercollegiate meet.

“Track and field is a minor sport, so we’d appreciate it all the more if you could come and support us!”