People :
Outstanding swimmer heading to the Beijing Olympics
Ms. Yoshimi Miwa

Ms. Yoshimi Miwa She was born in Gifu prefecture in 1985, and graduated from Gifu Prefectural Commercial High School. She is currently a 4th year student in the Sports Science Department and belongs to the Katsuo Yamazaki seminar. She won the first place in the 50, 100 and 200 meters breaststroke races at the Japanese Short Distance Competition. In the Japan Swimming Competition, she came first in the 50 and 100 meter races, and second in the 200 meter breaststroke. Her hobbies are listening to music and watching movies.

The difference between a race of 50 meters and one of 200 meters in water is like the difference between a sprint and a long-distance race on the ground. Yoshimi Miwa has succeeded in winning first place in both races. “Short distance is my field, so I was not expecting to win the 200 meters. “‘Eh? First place?’ That was my reaction after finishing the race. It surprised me and others. My family said, “This is not our daughter” and could hardly believe that I had won the race.” Relaxing the look of surprise on her face, she gives a big laugh. She is cheerful and as bright as the clear blue sky when she talks, even though she is a person who gives a cool impression, with her long slim arms and legs.

Although her performance is absolutely outstanding this year, she failed to be chosen as a representative swimmer for the World Competition last year. She was depressed and spent “days only of going to practice.” However, it was not the end of the story. The event that triggered the change in her feeling was that she was chosen as a representative for the Universiade and got acquainted with many excellent swimmers. These swimmers tend to have high awareness and she was able to learn many things by just spending time with them at the camp. “They are good at switching their mind between their private lives and practice. They take consideration more of quality than of the amount of practice. It was a blessing to acquire companions who support each other. “

“I was thinking to do a fascinating performance rather than getting the gold medal.” Listening to the words of figure skater Shizuka Arakawa on the television was another big event that triggered the change. “Such a thing is necessary for me.” She attempted to change her eagerness to win. By having confidence in steady effort and telling herself “Without fighting spirit, I will still do a good job,” she was released from the tension she used to feel before competition.

Before standing on the diving board, I started taking a look at the audience seats. “Energy is flowing out as I see my teammates, friends, and family, and I want them to enjoy my performance.” Now she is practicing intensively for the Asia Competition in December and the World Competition next March. Her days of swimming may even lead to the Beijing Olympics.