Rio Olympic women’s doubles gold medallist Ayaka Takahashi announces retirement

Rio Olympic women’s doubles gold medallist Ayaka Takahashi announces retirement

Ayaka gold

Ayaka Takahashi and Misaki Matsutomo with their Olympic gold
Image Credits: Twitter | Misaki Matsutomo (L) and Ayaka Takahashi (R) with their Olympic gold

2016 Rio Olympic gold medallist from the women’s doubles category, Ayaka Takahashi announced retirement. The Japanese won the coveted gold with Misaki Matsutomo with whom she has played for over 10 years. The pair has been number one in the world for about 18 months. The pair nicknamed “Takamatsu”’ has won several titles at the international stage and has been a dominant pair in the women’s doubles category. The retirement of the 30-year old Ayaka comes as a surprise as the pair were expected to defend their Olympic gold in their home ground.

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Statement from Ayaka Takahashi

“I had doubts about my mind and body getting through another year,” Takahashi said. The Tokyo Olympics has been postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“I’ve decided to end my career on August 31 as I had doubts as to whether my inner fire and body would get through another year. For me it has always been all or nothing. When I train I train, when I rest I rest.”

“When I shared my honest feelings with my partner Matsutomo and (my employer) Nihon Unisys they respected my decision. My parents were understanding as well, and telling them was a big weight off my shoulders”

“I have no regrets about this decision. In the quarterfinals of the All England, we were to meet the world No. 1 Chinese pair (Chen/Jia). I thought it could be the last match for me as we were not sure at that time whether the Olympic qualifying race would continue. That is why I wanted to play my very best against the strong Chinese, and we managed to beat them. I am proud of my achievements and satisfied with the good results.”

Ayaka Takahashi announced retirement at a press conference
Photo Courtesy: Aflo Sport/Nihon Unisys | Ayaka Takahashi announced retirement at a press conference

Olympic Qualification chances were tricky

A country has only two slots in the doubles category in the Olympics. Ayaka and Misaki are the third highest ranked pair from Japan in line for qualification for Tokyo Olympics. The qualification for Olympics was suspended in March due to the Coronavirus Outbreak.

Takahashi reportedly had been dealing with a foot injury since December.

Her partner Misaki Matsutomo will continue to play mixed doubles with Yuki Kaneko. Takahashi wished her partner best of luck. “I’m sure I couldn’t have achieved such good results without her, including the gold medal at Rio. I thank her so much, much more than words can express,” said Matsutomo.

Happy Retirement Ayaka Takahashi!

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