Mizuki Noguchi

Summer Olympics Jul 23, 2021

You read it here first (maybe): Who will light the Olympic cauldron

by Victor Mather

Some surprising names have been mentioned as leading candidates to perform one of the highest honors in sport.

Olympics Nov 11, 2019

Olympic champion Mizuki Noguchi named first Japanese runner in Tokyo 2020 torch relay

Athens Olympic women's marathon gold medalist Mizuki Noguchi will be the first runner from Japan to carry the flame on its journey to next year's Summer Games, the Tokyo organizing committee said Monday. Noguchi will be the second runner to take part in the Greek ...

Olympics Nov 8, 2019

Athens marathon winner Mizuki Noguchi poised to be Japan's first torchbearer

Athens Olympics women's marathon champion Mizuki Noguchi will likely be named to carry next year's Tokyo Olympic flame in March as it begins its journey in Greece, sources close to the matter said Thursday. The flame is scheduled to be lit in Greece on March ...

More Sports / Athletics Jun 15, 2018

JAAF promotes Marathon Grand Championship as vital preparation for 2020 Olympics

by Kaz Nagatsuka

Japan's runners who earn spots for the Summer Olympics will gain significant experience running on a nearly identical course during the trial for the 2020 Tokyo Games on home soil. The Japan Association of Athletics Federations revealed the date and course for the inaugural ...

More Sports / Athletics Jan 20, 2018

Shoe guru Hitoshi Mimura wants to help put Japan's marathon runners back on right track

by Kaz Nagatsuka

Renowned footwear designer Hitoshi Mimura has become a global adviser for American sports apparel brand New Balance. But what he really wants to do is help revive the competitiveness of Japanese marathon runners with his craftsmanship skills. Marathon used to be Japan's forte in track and ...

More Sports / Athletics Apr 15, 2016

Athens gold medalist Noguchi ends career

Mizuki Noguchi, the winner of the women’s marathon gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, announced her retirement on Friday. Noguchi’s announcement comes after she finished 23rd at the Nagoya Women’s Marathon last month and failed to qualify for this summer’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics. “I ...

More Sports / Athletics Apr 14, 2016

Marathon runner Noguchi ready to announce retirement: sources

Mizuki Noguchi, the winner of the women's marathon gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, has decided to retire, athletics sources said Thursday. The 37-year-old Noguchi, who failed to qualify for this summer's Rio de Janeiro Olympics after finishing 23rd at the Nagoya Women's Marathon ...

More Sports / Athletics Jul 2, 2015

JAAF reveals marathon selection process for 2016 Rio Olympics

by Kaz Nagatsuka

The Japan Association of Athletics Federations clarified the selection process for the men's and women's marathons for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Tokyo on Thursday. The JAAF designated four events apiece for the men and women as trial races: next month's IAAF World ...

Olympics | SPORTS SCOPE Sep 2, 2014

Takahashi should light Olympic flame at 2020 Games

by Jack Gallagher

We still have more than 2,000 days to go until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics begin, but it is never too early to speculate on a some of the mystery that will surround the Opening Ceremony. After the participating nations march into the new Olympic Stadium, ...

More Sports / Athletics Jan 24, 2014

Akaba aims for pleasing final race at Osaka Women's Marathon

Yukiko Akaba is hoping to end her career with a smile as she prepares for her final race before retiring at the Osaka International Women's Marathon on Sunday. "It will be my last (race) as a competitor on Sunday. I haven't been able to get ...