You can't run Hakone alone.
We want to achieve our goals together.

College of Arts and Sciences 4th Grade
Track and Field Club, Ekiden Team Captain
Graduate of Tokyo University of Agriculture Second High School

Yudai Tsukada

Main content

I enjoyed running with my friends.

I was a member of the soccer club until junior high school. My first encounter with ekiden (long-distance relay race) was in elementary school, when I participated in an ekiden race held in winter. Several people from the soccer club also participated, and I enjoyed the fun of running with my friends. I happened to do well in an ekiden race I participated in during junior high school, and was able to enter high school on a sports scholarship.

I started track and field seriously in high school, but I had a lot of difficulties after entering university. I couldn't beat my personal best from when I entered university, and I even considered quitting the sport altogether. I finally saw results in November of my third year of high school. I was so relieved when I was able to break my personal best.

Perform at the same level as in practice.

When I was in high school, I participated in J. F. Oberlin University 's summer training camp. I was deeply impressed by the student-led practice and thought, 'I want to join a team with this kind of atmosphere.' The seniors were also kind and sincerely listened to my advice, which was a deciding factor for my admission.

Currently, our track and field team practices six days a week. What we focus on is making sure that our training isn't just going through the motions. We work with our coach to align on the purpose of each practice session and strive to make it a high-quality training experience.

Since last year, I've incorporated a technique called "pre-celebration" as part of my mental training. This involves visualizing success to prevent nervousness from hindering my performance during the actual event. This year, I've also started breathing exercises that return to the basics of "inhaling and exhaling" to improve my concentration.

The important thing is for everyone to be focused on the same goal.

Our goal is to participate in the Hakone Ekiden. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the race, so the number of participating teams has increased from 10 to 13. Last year we didn't get the results we wanted in the qualifying rounds, but now we've used that disappointment as motivation and created a mood of "Let's aim for Hakone!"

Although I am the captain, I'm not good at leading the team from the front. That's why, as my own form of leadership, I prioritize communication with everyone. In ekiden (long-distance relay race), you run alone, but you can't win unless everyone is focused on the same goal. I want to create an environment where the team can work together as one, both in practice and in the actual race.

I plan to retire from competitive running after university. That's why I want to have a race without any regrets. When I run near the university, the local people always cheer me on. I would be happy if I could participate in the Hakone Ekiden and live up to everyone's expectations. I would really appreciate your support.

Interview date:
This was done in August 2023 for the "Obirin Sports" website.

You can't run Hakone alone.We want to achieve our goals together.

Main content

I enjoyed running with my friends.

Perform at the same level as in practice.

The important thing is for everyone to be focused on the same goal.

Related content

You can't run Hakone alone.
We want to achieve our goals together.