Kosuke Kitajima, who won a breaststroke double at the previous two Olympics, said Friday he still lacks motivation looking ahead toward the 2012 London Olympics but will continue his swimming career as he heads off to live in Los Angeles.
Kitajima responded to reporters' questions at Narita airport before flying to Los Angeles, where he intends to study English on a five-year student visa and continue his training.
"I still don't feel any impetus. I am not thinking anything about the London Olympics," said Kitajima. "But if I do decide to focus on swimming, I think it will be for the Olympics. As I train, my feelings will change."
The 26-year-old decided not to renew his contract with his management company, Sunny Side Up Inc., at the end of last month and skipped the National Swimming Championships, which doubled as a selection event for the 2009 FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome this summer, last week.