Murofushi captures 20th consecutive title at nationals

FUKUSHIMA - Two-time Olympic medalist Koji Murofushi won his 20th straight hammer throw title Saturday at the national athletics championships.

The 39-year-old Murofushi, who won the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the bronze at the 2012 Games in London, won his newest title with a throw of 73.93 meters.

His father, Shigenobu, won the national hammer title for 10 straight years starting in 1974, while his younger sister Yuka won the women’s discus from 2002 to 2011.

“I’m glad I’ve been able to carry on this far,” said Murofushi, who owns the Japanese record of 84.86 meters. “I’ve received so much support that’s enabled me to keep competing for a long time.

“It’s getting harder and harder to win, so it’s a good thing I was able to reach the 20-win mark.”

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