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Susaki (right) responds to cheers after winning the bronze medal (Photo by Kyodo News)

On August 8, alumna Yui Susaki (School of Sport Sciences, 2022 graduate), a former member of the Waseda University Wrestling Club, competed in the third-place match in the women’s 50 kg wrestling event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, defeating Oksana Livach (Ukraine) to win the bronze medal.

After an unexpected loss in the first round, Susaki rallied to show her true strength thereafter. In the first period, she scored point after point bringing the score to 8-0. Then in the second period, by attacking her opponent from behind, she was able to finish the match with a score of 10-0.

Susaki grappling with Ukraine’s Livach (Photo by Kyodo News)

At the awards ceremony Susaki shed tears of frustration. She later shared how tough the two days following her loss had been. Susaki related how the people around her encouraged her to get back on her feet. She worried that if she lost the title “Yui Susaki, Olympic Champion” then she would be worthless and expressed her gratitude towards all who believed in her, cheered her on, and supported her despite her loss. Finally, she vowed to do her best over the next four years so people can see her become an Olympic champion once again.

A Comment from Waseda President Aiji Tanaka

Congratulations to alumna Yui Susaki on taking home the bronze medal in the women’s 50kg wrestling event at the Paris Olympics.

I would like to sincerely commend you for picking yourself up and winning the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, despite the difficult circumstances you found yourself in.

I felt that your strong presence of mind, which allowed you to bounce back and not give up when faced with difficulty, was similar to when you secured a spot on the 2020 Tokyo Olympic team saying, “If there’s even a 0.1% chance, I’ll keep working hard and not give up.”

Once again, I would like to express my deepest respect for your will-power and tireless effort. At the same time, I would like to convey my heartfelt congratulations to you.

Susaki, who continues to train at our University’s wrestling dojo, has vowed to win the gold medal at the Olympics four years from now, and again 8 years from now.

I hope that you will continue to show us that you will keep challenging yourself, no matter what. We will continue to support you.

Waseda University President Aiji Tanaka

A comment from Hidemasa Okada, coach of the Waseda University Wrestling Team

To Yui Susaki, congratulations on securing the bronze medal.

Even after an unexpected loss in the first match, which erased the possibility of winning a second consecutive gold medal, you managed to pull yourself up and show your characteristic wrestling style during the match to secure third place. Winning a medal in two consecutive Olympics is a source of pride for all of us involved with Waseda wrestling.

You are known for working harder than anyone else and for your humility and positive attitude. I imagine that the pressure of being the most popular and respected female wrestler in the world must be a considerable weight, but I hope that you will turn that pressure into confidence and pride and make even greater strides in the future.

I would like to express my gratitude to Susaki’s sponsors, her supporters from the University, and her family who have all helped her in her achievements, and I will continue to support her as she strives to achieve new goals.

Waseda University Wrestling Team Coach Hidemasa Okada

A shocking first match. Susaki was stunned after losing a point near the end of the match but managed to come back after defeat and secure the bronze medal. (Photo by Kyodo News)