2024 Japan Olympic Trials
With anticipation of what's about to happen in the pool at this month's Japanese Olympic Trials, there's also action happening on deck regarding the famous coach. Hakusho Hirai.
Hirai's suspension ended in February, so the longtime coach still has a chance to be selected to be part of Japan's coaching staff for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
As a refresher, the Japan Swimming Federation (JASF) suspended Hirai for six months after the 2023 World Championships. The decision was made following Hirai's “questionable” behavior following the Japanese national team's lackluster result in Fukuoka.
We reported that Hirai withdrew from the World Championship early, avoiding a mandatory meeting with JASF in Fukuoka. Hirai was also vocal on social media about the strained relationship between JASF and the players, and had disagreements with the organization on how to repair and strengthen the team going forward.
This week's flash forward and JASF Managing Director Hidezumi Kaneko Hirai's chances of being named to Paris' coaching staff “depend on whether the player is selected,” he said. He has no limitations. I admit he has a lot of experience. ” (Sponichi)
Hirai has won the Swimswam Swamy Award for Asia Coach of the Year an unprecedented six times, most recently in 2021. In his career, there are star players such as: Kosuke Kitajima Daiya Seto and Kosuke Hagino under his guidance.
