Two-time Olympic medalist Kaori Matsumoto said Thursday she has put her judo days behind her and is looking forward to kick-starting a new career at an ice cream shop.
Matsumoto, who said she decided to draw the curtain on her judo career after her hopes for a third Olympic appearance were dashed, surprised reporters when she said she is getting ready to help open an ice cream shop in the Tokyo college district of Takadanobaba on Feb. 12.
"Making ice cream will be the new chapter of my life. I'm speeding up preparations for the shop opening. I hope you all come," Matsumoto said at her retirement news conference.