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Waseda student Masato Sakai takes home the silver medal for the 200-meter butterfly

Masato Sakai, a third year student at the School of Sport Sciences, won the silver medal for the 200-meter butterfly final in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

He swam against world-renowned swimmers, including Michael Phelps (the United States), who has won 19 gold medals in total, and London Olympics gold medalist Chad Le Clos (South Africa). Daiya Seto (Japan), a fellow student from Waseda University, also entered this competition. In 6th place at the last turn, Sakai showed an amazing comeback in the last 50 meters as he closed the gap between him and Phelps, which ended in a close call with only a 0.04 second difference. He overcame his weakness of lacking stamina and made this incredible achievement, embodying the University’s Swimming Club’s slogan, “PRIDE.”

【Masato Sakai’s record for the 200-meter butterfly】

Final: 1:53.04, second place, silver medal (personal best)
Semifinal: 1:55.32, 6th place

Comments from Masato Sakai before the Olympics (in Japanese)

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

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【A Message from the University President】

Congratulations to Masato Sakai for winning the silver medal in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Following Daiya Seto, a fellow classmate who has earned a bronze medal, I am thrilled to see Waseda students making extraordinary accomplishments. Masato’s achievement has not only excited the Waseda community but aspiring young athletes and the Japanese nation as well. I hope Masato will continue to challenge himself while exhibiting the Waseda spirit and pride.
-President Kaoru Kamata