Japanese Recordholder Takaoka To Retire
Posted Tuesday, 17 March, 2009
Toshinari Takaoka, national record holder at 3000m, 10000m and marathon (he held 5000m record until summer of 2007), will retire from elite competitions after the Tokyo Marathon next Sunday.
"I could no longer do the training or run the marathon that I envision as ideal," explained Takaoka as the reason why he decided to retire. "During my overdistance training on February 4, I injuired my left calf," continued Takaoka.
"Since I felt that I could no longer able to do the ideal marathon training, I decided to make the Tokyo Marathon the last marathon of my career." He further explains, "I set my goal with the four year cycle. Realistically speaking, I cannot stay focused for the 2012 London Olympics, and that is the major reason triggering my decision."
When asked if he think he should have move up to the marthon sooner, Takaoka answered, "I think I moved up to the mrathon at the right time (when he was 31 years old). I think the reason why I was able to run 2:06 marathon is because I concentrated on track racing until I was 31 years old." Takaoka ran both 5000m and 10000m in the 2000 Olympic Games, finishing 7th at the longer distance. He was the hightest non-African finisher at 10000m in Sydney.
"I trained with the Tokyo Marathon in mind, so I will do my best to win the race. If I was selected to for the World Championships team, I will be delighted to represent Japan."
Asked about his national records, Takaoka said, "It will be better for the sports of track and field if someone break my records soon. If my teammate break them, it will be even better." From April 1, Takaoka will start coaching at Kanebo track team, the team he ran for after graduating from College.
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