Makoto Tokushima achieved his long-held dream by clinching victory at the 39th Grand Prix of boat racing, held on December 22, 2024, at Boat Race Suminoe, Osaka. This victory not only marks his first Grand Prix title but also signifies his determination and resilience after 22 years of competitive racing.
Leading from the start, Tokushima surged forward, completing the 1800-meter race with a time of 1 minute and 46 seconds. His start was impressive, with Tokushima managing to push through after initially needing to adjust his steering at the first mark as rival Junpei Kiryu tried to catch up. Nevertheless, Tokushima’s superior power from his engine ensured his lead remained unchallenged.
"The engine was good, so I’m glad. I had to cut the handle back at the first mark, I guess I was nervous. But I’m happy to have won," Tokushima shared after the race. This victory marks his 9th SG (special grade) win overall, solidifying his reputation as one of the top competitors on the circuit.
Second place went to Junpei Kiryu, with Yuki Chihara finishing third, making it a tightly contested race for the remaining spots. The payout for the event saw two-election betting yielding 400 yen and three-election betting resulting in 1170 yen.
Tokushima’s win came on not just any date; it coincided with his wife Sachimi's birthday and their wedding anniversary, adding to the joyful occasion. "I hope this can be a present to my loving wife, who has always supported me," he expressed with evident affection. During the year, Tokushima winched total earnings of over 240 million yen, positioning him as the leading money earner of the event.
The race was not without its challenges, and Tokushima acknowledged moments of tension during his performance. He had entered the Grand Prix filled with hope and determination, following several competitive outings where he often came close to victory but fell short. This year, he faced challenges but remained steady through 2024, maintaining focus on clinching the Grand Prix title.
After celebrating this significant achievement, Tokushima indicated his plans for the upcoming year, stating, "With this title secured, I feel like the burden has lifted off my shoulders. I’m ready to race naturally and bring my true style to the competition."
Tokushima's Grand Prix victory not only fulfilled his personal goals but also set the stage for continued excellence within the sport as he aims to participate in the All-Star event next year.
Overall, this Grand Prix title has marked both the completion of Tokushima's desires and the beginning of what he hopes will be another successful year on the racing circuit. The racing community eagerly anticipates his next steps as the new year approaches and he continues to build on his distinguished career.
