In a thrilling display of athletic prowess, Yuta Yoshida, a 27-year-old runner representing the GMO Internet Group, has been selected to compete in the marathon at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships. This announcement came during a heartfelt visit to his alma mater, Aoyama Gakuin University, on March 28, where he met with his mentor, coach Susumu Hara, to discuss his journey and aspirations.
Yoshida's selection is historic, marking him as the first marathon representative from Aoyama Gakuin to compete on the world stage. This milestone follows his remarkable victory at the Fukuoka International Marathon in December 2024, where he set a new大会 record of 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 16 seconds, making it the third-fastest time in Japanese history.
During the meeting with Hara, Yoshida expressed his determination to surpass the achievements of fellow runner Suguru Osako, who finished sixth at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. "I want to exceed Osako-san's ranking," he stated, showcasing his competitive spirit and ambition.
In a light-hearted moment during the interview, Yoshida was asked about his drinking habits, to which he replied, "I don't drink." Coach Hara humorously contrasted this with his own past, saying, "I drank a lot during my active days. I might have celebrated a bit too much sometimes!" Hara praised Yoshida's discipline and commitment to his diet, emphasizing that strength in marathon running comes from proper nutrition.
Reflecting on the significance of his achievement, Yoshida noted, "While I appreciate being recognized as 'Aoyama Gakuin's Yoshida,' I am also proud to represent Japan on the world stage. It's a great honor to be seen as 'Japan's Yoshida' now." This sentiment illustrates his desire to forge his own identity beyond his university's legacy.
As Yoshida prepares for the World Championships, he hopes to inspire younger athletes. He mentioned that his success can serve as a benchmark for aspiring runners, showing that with dedication and hard work, achieving remarkable times is within reach. "I want to create an environment where future athletes feel motivated to challenge themselves in marathons," he said.
Meanwhile, Hiroki Wakabayashi, a fourth-year student from the same university, made headlines on March 29 by participating in the TBS live broadcast special program "All-Star Thanksgiving Festival '25 Spring." He competed in the famous "Akasaka 5-chome Mini Marathon," viewing it as his final run before transitioning into a corporate career.
Wakabayashi, who will begin working at Nippon Life Insurance Company after graduation, expressed his determination before the race, stating, "I will put my 10 years of track and field life into this race and win." Despite his enthusiasm, he finished in second place, narrowly missing victory to Yuji Morimoto, known as "Sasuke-kun," who started 8 minutes and 45 seconds ahead of him.
After the race, Wakabayashi shared his mixed feelings about the result. "I’m disappointed to have lost, but it was a lot of fun," he said, smiling. He also commented on the challenging course, which included a steep incline dubbed "Heartbreak Hill," stating, "It was a little tougher than Hakone."
The contrasting journeys of Yoshida and Wakabayashi highlight the rich tradition of Aoyama Gakuin University in athletics, particularly in marathon running. Coach Hara noted the historical significance of Yoshida's selection, emphasizing how it reflects the growing strength of their program. "It was only a matter of time before we had a representative at the world level," he said, acknowledging the legacy of other universities like Toyo University and Komazawa University.
Yoshida's success is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope for future athletes from Aoyama Gakuin. "With athletes like Yoshida paving the way, younger runners can set their own benchmarks and aspire to achieve greatness in marathons," Hara remarked.
As the World Athletics Championships approach, the excitement surrounding Yoshida's debut builds. His coach believes that Yoshida has the potential to aim for even greater heights, stating, "I believe he can aim for a time in the 2:03 range in the future. The Berlin Marathon is a target for that challenge."
With the spotlight now on Yoshida, the anticipation for his performance in Tokyo grows. Fans and fellow athletes alike are eager to see how he will fare against the world's best. His journey from Aoyama Gakuin to the global stage is a testament to his hard work and the supportive environment fostered by his coach and university.
As Yoshida prepares for this monumental challenge, he remains focused on his goals, stating, "I want to achieve a top finish and make my mark at the World Championships." His determination, combined with the backing of his coach and the legacy of Aoyama Gakuin, sets the stage for a remarkable debut in the world of athletics.
