Japanese sprinter Shingo Suetsugu went down in history
at the Paris 2003 World Championships - bronze medal in
the 200 meters makes him the first-ever Asian sprinter
to make a podium in any world competition, Olympic Games
included! Suetsugu's power is derived from his distinctive
running technique. It involves coordinating the movement
of his upper body with that of his lower body to minimize
upper-body twisting. He says his technique is the same
as that employed by a samurai walking so as to prevent
the sword at his side from swaying.
Career Highlights
Established the third fastest time (10.03 seconds)
for Japanese men's 100 meter race and the Asian record
(20.03 seconds) for men's 200 meters. In the 2000 Sydney
Olympic Games, competed in 200 meters and 4 x 100 meters
relay; in 2004 Athens Olympic Games, competed in 100
meters and 4 x 100 meters relay. At the 2003 Paris World
Championships in Athletics, won the bronze medal in
the men's 200 meters. Placed third in the 2006 Athens
IAAF World Cup in Athletics, and defended his 200 meters
title at the 15th Asian Games. Famous for 'nanba' running
technique (running with the hand and foot on one side
of the body moving in sync) and for doing 1,000 sit-ups
per day.
