Yudai Shimazu, a former standout in Japan's road-relay ekiden scene, is set to take to the track at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games with the goal of winning gold, after an eye condition forced him to move into para athletics.
Shimazu was known as a stage winner at the Hakone Ekiden, Japan's prestigious university road relay, before vision problems made it impossible for him to continue competing in able-bodied events.
The switch to para athletics has meant not only a change of competitive environment but also adapting to different training methods and events. He is now one of the notable figures on Japan's team at the Games, co-hosted by Aichi and Nagoya.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games is Asia's major disability sports event, bringing together athletes from many countries and territories. The Games are scheduled to begin with the opening ceremony on Oct. 18, after the torch relay got under way earlier.
