Waseda alumna Natsumi Hoshi takes home her second medal and makes history at Waseda University
Waseda University graduate Natsumi Hoshi (School of Sport Sciences, class of 2013) came in third place in the 200-meter butterfly final, winning the bronze medal. This is Hoshi’s second medal following the bronze in the 2012 London Olympics.
After the London Olympics, Hoshi faced obstacles such as surgery but made a comeback in the 2015 FINA World Aquatics Championship in Kazan, Russia by winning the gold medal and a ticket to the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. In the first half of the final round, her record was comparable to the Japanese record. Hoshi came in third at the 100-meter turn and finished with only a 0.35 second difference compared to gold medalist Mireia Belmonte García. To compete without any regrets, Hoshi gave everything she had left behind a remarkable result of winning two medals in two consecutive Olympic Games. She stood on the podium with a great smile, holding the bronze medal in her right hand.
【Natsumi Hoshi’ record in the 200-meter butterfly】
Final: 2:05.20, third place, bronze medal
【Waseda women athletes】
Hoshi became the first student women athlete to win a medal in the Olympic Games in the University’s history. In addition, she also became the first Waseda women athlete to win medals in two consecutive Olympic Games. She has made her mark in the history of Waseda University.
Here is a list of other accomplished Waseda women athletes:
- Yoko Karin Zetterlund (School of Human Sciences), 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Volleyball, bronze medal (on the U.S. national team)
- Yoriko Okamoto (School of Human Sciences), 2000 Sydney Olympics, Tae Kwon Do, bronze medal
- Shizuka Arakawa (School of Education), 2006 Torino Olympics, Figure Skating, gold medal
Learn more about Waseda student and alumni athletes in the Olympic/Paralympic Games on the Athletic Center’s website
We appreciate your support for Waseda athletes!
【A message from the University President】
Congratulations to Natsumi Hoshi for winning the bronze medal in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Many Waseda athletes have participated in the Olympic Games, but no women athlete has won medals in two consecutive Olympic Games before Hoshi. On behalf of the Waseda community, we are proud of Hoshi’s achievements and everything she has put in towards her bronze medal. She has moved us and many others across the nation. I hope Hoshi will continue to thrive and go beyond her limits, the spirit Waseda University is most proud of.
-President Kaoru Kamata
