The captain of Japan's women's artistic gymnastics team, Shoko Miyata, has withdrawn from the squad for the Paris Games after violating the team's code of conduct by smoking and drinking alcohol.
Japanese Gymnastics Association (JGA) officials announced that Miyata, 19, returned to Japan on Thursday, July 18, following an investigation that confirmed the violations. Miyata had been at the team's training camp in Monaco when the infractions occurred.
As a result of Miyata's withdrawal, the women's squad will now compete with four athletes instead of five at the upcoming Paris Games.
"We apologize from the bottom of our hearts for this," said JGA President Tadashi Fujita during a media conference. Fujita, along with other officials, including Miyata's personal coach Mutsumi Harada, expressed deep remorse and bowed deeply in apology.
Miyata had been expected to lead a team of first-time Olympians and teenagers after securing her Paris berth in May with a third consecutive NHK trophy win. Coach Harada acknowledged that Miyata's conduct was reckless but emphasized the immense pressure she faced to perform at the highest level.
"She was spending her days really burdened with so much pressure," Harada said, wiping away tears. "I would implore people to understand that."
The incident highlights the intense scrutiny and expectations placed on young athletes, especially those in leadership positions. Despite the setback, the remaining members of the Japanese women's gymnastics team will continue their preparations for the Paris Games, aiming to represent their country with honor and excellence.
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