Arab News Japan 

TOKYO: Tokyo Olympics head Seiko Hashimoto commented on Friday on the recent death of pioneer Olympian Kiyoko Ono, who competed at the 1960 Rome and 1964 Tokyo Games.

 Ono won a bronze medal on home soil in 1964 as a member of the Japan gymnastics team. She died a week ago from COVID-19.

 “I want to offer my sincere condolences,” said Hashimoto, who won Olympic bronze as a speedskater.

“She was a pioneer. She always commented on how women’s sports trailed those of the men and took the matter up in the Diet. When I started as a politician, she was already a very active Upper House member.

“She said we had to reform the role of women in sports and politics. We worked together and she gave me a lot of guidance.I want to follow in her footsteps and live up to her achievements, which at least means having a successful Tokyo Games. I wanted her to see these Olympics and it’s a shame that she won’t, but I am going to do my best and I’m sure she will be delighted in heaven.”