「WORLD MASTERS GAMES (WMG) 2021 KANSAI」 is an international multi-sport athletic competition for athletes over the age of 30, and so into their middle age and senior years.
We interviewed previous WMG participants about their passion for WMG in this three-part series. In interview series three, we spoke with Shuhei Iwasaki (weightlifting) and Masao Sono (track and field) about the WMG and their commitment to lifelong sports.
※Part 1 of the interview series 👉https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/10793
※Part 2 of the interview series 👉https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/10880
Hopes and Dreams for Getting the Gold – Shuhei Iwasaki (Weightlifting)
―What got you into weightlifting?
The one who really encouraged me to keep challenging myself was an upperclassman on the weightlifting team. I went to check out one of the team’s practices and while I was practicing lifting one of the bars he said, “you’re pretty strong.” That single comment gave me the courage to strengthen myself and made me believe even I could gain enough weight to compete if I tried hard enough.
I was absorbed in weightlifting all four years of university and eventually took over the role of captain when the upperclassman I spoke of before graduated. After graduating, I was really busy and wasn’t able to compete as much as I would’ve liked. I did keep in regular contact with the previous captain though.
It’s a shame he’s already passed on. If not for him, I would never have become as passionate about weightlifting as I am today. Then, I got the opportunity to start competing again once I retired.
―What encouraged you to participate WMG and other such international competitions?
I was quite afraid of competing in my first international competition but surprisingly received 8th place on my first try. From there, I got 7th place, 6th place—I just kept ranking higher and higher each time I competed. To tell you the truth, the only reason my rank rose was because there were less and less participants each time. I always came in last place. *laughs*
I received the silver medal after a lot of practice and hard work at the previous WMG held in Auckland, New Zealand in 2017. Now, I’m fired up and aiming to get a gold medal at WORLD MASTERS GAMES (WMG) 2021 KANSAI.
With friends in front of the PR booth of WMG 2021 KANSAI （At WMG 2017 Auckland）
―What aspect of lifelong sports do you enjoy the most?
After starting to participate in competitions again, I feel like I’m making concrete progress toward my own goals. While working, I always felt as if I was acting as a member of a group rather than myself. Maybe I was just aiming to complete whatever goal my company set for me.
Since retiring, I get a real sense of joy from racking up achievements while doing something I like. I finally feel confident in my ability as a weightlifter.
―What gives you motivation to continue weightlifting?
One thing is the guideline set by the Sinclair Coefficient. This worldwide weightlifting coefficient info helps weightlifters understand how to maintain or increase their strength as they get older. By taking this data into consideration, one can see the lowest record for their age group and set a realistic goal without becoming disillusioned or burnt out.
Another source of motivation is friends who also compete in weightlifting. I always look forward to meeting with friends from overseas at competitions and sharing our current records or progress. Training and meeting up with friends in Japan is a blast too. Both bring me joy and push me to keep trying my best.
―Can you tell us a bit about your future goals?
In the winter of 2018, I was diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis. At that time, I scaled down my training and focused on maintaining my flexibility. Little by little, I’d like to improve my physical condition, get in tip-top shape, and go for the gold at WORLD MASTERS GAMES (WMG) 2021 KANSAI. It’s frustrating to not be able to train like I’d like to, but I’m still holding onto my dream.
Every morning, I drink tea from a glass that has “Hopes and Dreams” written on it.
I want to keep at it ‘til I’m 100. I believe in my heart I can do it.
” WORLD MASTERS GAMES (WMG) was the final piece to my puzzle” – Masao Sono (Track and Field)
―What made you decide to participate WMG?
I was really drawn in by their catchphrase “the adult Olympics,” so I decided to participate.
I got into track and field thanks to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Seeing those games in that giant stadium at 10 years old moved something inside me. Since then, I’ve continued to train and compete throughout my life, holding onto my dream of getting a gold medal at the Olympics. There was a lot of tough competition in my generation though, so I never was able to make it to the Olympics.
Later, I had the opportunity to participate an international competition and was lucky enough to receive a medal, but it just didn’t fill me with the sense of accomplishment I was looking for. WMG took me back to my dream of participating in the Olympics and fueled my passion for track and field.
―What was your impression after actually participating in WMG?
I was in absolute awe at the opening ceremony. Competitors from the world over standing on equal ground celebrating each other. I couldn’t have been prouder to stand together with such fine athletes.
The opening ceremony of WMG showed me there was more－I finally found a goal to succeed my Olympic dream.
By the way, the opening ceremony was held at night and my race happened to be the next morning. I considered leaving early to prepare for my race but, I ended up staying until the end.
After I got back from the ceremony, I couldn’t sleep. I was just too excited. Even with a lack of sleep and being a bundle of nerves, I was able to get the gold medal in the 10-kilometer marathon.
―What has changed since you participated in WMG and received a gold medal?
Friends gather around for a commemorative photo at WMG 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand with a signed flag.
People from companies watching the competition saw me get a gold medal in the race and offered to sponsor me. I can’t really think of any other athletes who’ve been sponsored at 65 years old.
Not only that but, thanks to participating in WMG, I was able to make friends from all over the world. All the messages written on that flag by everyone I met at the event are an everlasting sign of our friendship. If I had gone to the Olympics, I’m sure other athletes and I would have just viewed each other as rivals rather than friends.
―What is your advice for continuing sports as you get older?
The best advice I can give is simple— “Keep going.” Don’t force too many types of training on yourself and just keep doing what you can at a comfortable pace. I’m in the best condition I’ve ever been right now. Through steady and continuous training, I’ve gained and maintained the most muscle mass I’ve ever had until now.
Training for WMG is what keeps me motivated. I thought I would grow weaker and lose muscle mass with age but, I’ve experienced that anyone can surpass their limit if they put their mind to it.
―What would you like to say to those considering participating in WORLD MASTERS GAMES (WMG) 2021 KANSAI?
WMG is one of those events you just don’t get until you actually participate. I don’t want people to regret missing the chance to compete. And if you do decide to participate, make sure you get to enjoy the ceremonies and talking with fellow athletes. You won’t have time to enjoy the atmosphere of the competition once you’re in the thick of it.
What I want to say more than anything is that, sports aren’t something you do for just a set period of time. Even if you quit once, you can start again. Don’t worry about how young or old you are, just do it for you.
I believe I’m the positive and forward-thinking person I am today because I became a runner. I’ve been able to enjoy life to the fullest because of running and I intend to continue running forever. I want to express the wonder of life through running and I can only hope that others will experience the joy running brings through watching me.
This time, we asked past WMG participants Shuhei Iwasaki (weightlifting) and Masao Sono (track and field) about their passion for lifelong sports. Watching someone spend their life improving themselves and the joy that comes with achieving their goals one by one—that’s what makes lifelong sports wonderful, isn’t it?
While the main motive is competition, the joy of the opening ceremony and socializing with fellow athletes and friends while achieving new records and goals is what makes WMG an unforgettable experience. We invite all of you to experience the thrill of the event’s first locale in Asia at WORLD MASTERS GAMES (WMG) 2021 KANSAI. Sports lovers from around the world will surely find the competition to be a once in a lifetime experience. More info will be available from late November 2019 on the official WORLD MASTERS GAMES (WMG) 2021 KANSAI website, so don’t forget to check it out!」
We’ll continue to report on WORLD MASTERS GAMES (WMG) 2021 KANSAI in the future at FUN! Japan.Follow the “#WMG2021” hashtag for more info!
WMG 2021 KANSAI official homepage👉 https://wmg2021.jp/en/
Comments