SYDNEY -- The strong performance of Japanese women to claim 13 of the 18 medals that the nation has won at the Sydney Olympics reflects women's growing independence in society, women's marathon gold medalist Naoko Takahashi said Saturday.

Takahashi attributed the success of individual women at the Olympics to the progress of women in the wider community in Japan.

"In the past, male athletes have done much better (than women), but now we can prove that female athletes can do well in this, and not just in sport but in society," Takahashi told reporters at the Japanese Olympic Committee's final press conference of the Sydney Games.

"Women are getting more and more independent and I think that is being reflected in sports. It does not matter what gender you are."

Female athletes have won two gold medals, six silver and five bronze medals for Japan at the Sydney Games, compared with male athletes who will take home three gold and two silver medals.

Women won seven of the 14 medals that Japan took home from the Atlanta Olympics -- one gold, three silver and three bronze.

Japanese team doctor Takeshi Kawahara speculated that the improved performance of women at the 2000 Olympics was as a result of greater competition in men's sports.

"Females are getting more and more developed and competition among males is getting much more severe," he said.

JOC delegation leader Yushiro Yagi, 71, attributed Takahashi's "wonderful victory" in running what is being lauded as one of the best races ever by a man or woman to win the women's marathon on Sept. 24, in large part to her humility.

"She is always thanking people. That very humble attitude is very important for her future too," Yagi said. "That humbleness must have been one of the reasons she has made such a brilliant success."

Yagi said Takahashi also had a wonderful coach in Yoshio Koide and great support from her employer.

"Takahashi is a very well-prepared athlete. She had an ideal environment to achieve her goal," he said.

The 28-year-old Gunma woman said she could not fathom the hero's welcome awaiting her on her return to Japan after winning the nation's first track and field gold medal in 64 years.

"It is, in a way, beyond my own imagination. I can't say what will really happen. I have had a great opportunity and would like to utilize this opportunity," she said.

But she expressed her determination not to let the success change her. "I feel as an athlete I need to work as a member of the team. I think I really need to have my feet on the ground. I think I need to restrict myself in that sense."

She said winning the marathon still seemed unreal, six days after finishing the grueling 42.195 km course in an Olympic-best time of 2 hours, 23 minutes and 14 seconds that stunned Olympic organizers.

"I have received lots of congratulatory remarks from many people but in my mind it still has not sunk in yet that I've won," she said.

"For the first few days I wanted to practice again and try it (the race) again. I thought things would be different after the event but nothing has changed yet, so in the future I don't think it will happen that I will feel it was a real thing."

Takahashi was gracious in her comments, showing no evidence that the success had gone to her head.

"So many people have supported me, particularly my head coach and all these JOC officials," she said.

"You have supported me so I could concentrate until the last minute until I crossed the line. I can feel a lot of love and warmth from all of you. This is important to go on in the future."

Takahashi also congratulated other members of Japan's Olympic delegation and expressed hope that their performance in Sydney would have a positive impact on the nation's young people.

"All our athletes have done wonderfully well. All have had a most wonderful experience and I hope that many children in Japan will try athletics."