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Waseda student Daiya Seto wins bronze in the 400M individual medley

Daiya Seto, a 4th year student at the School of Sport Sciences and member of Waseda’s Swimming Club, took the bronze medal in the 400-meter individual medley at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games on August 7. Kosuke Hagino of Toyo University won first place. This became a very special victory for the two childhood friends and rivals, for it was the first time in 60 years since the Melbourne Olympics where two Japanese athletes stood on the podium together.

Waseda University acted immediately to organize a public viewing event at the Okuma Auditorium. The auditorium was packed with pumped spectators, with some having to stand in the back. When the competition began, the audience rooted for Seto and Hagino with much enthusiasm. There was an ovation when the two swimmers received their medals.

【Daiya Seto’s record for the 400-meter individual medley】
Final:4:09.71, 3rd place, bronze medal
Qualifying round: 4:08.47, finished 2nd (personal best)

Seto will also compete in the 200-meter butterfly with fellow Japanese swimmer, Masato Sakai. Furthermore, there are 10 other student and alumni of Waseda’s Swimming Club participating in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

Learn more about Waseda student and alumni athletes in the Olympic/Paralympic Games on the Athletic Center’s website

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Comments from Daiya Seto before the Olympics (in Japanese)

【A message from Waseda University President】

On behalf of the Waseda community, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Daiya Seto for winning the bronze medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. In the past, many Waseda students and alumni have and won medals at the Olympic Games. I am extremely excited that this tradition continues with current students, Seto following Natsumi Hoshi from the London Olympic Games. Such achievement encourages and inspires not only the Waseda community and sport fans, but also young, aspiring athletes and the Japanese nation.

I look forward to your future accomplishments, and I hope you will carry on the Waseda spirit as you continue to challenge yourself to greater heights.
-President Kaoru Kamata