Honored Kiyomi wants Olympic glory

The golden opportunity to carry the flag gives Kiyomi Watanabe the extra fire when she sees action in the Tokyo Olympics this week. Philippine Judo Federation president Dave Carter yesterday said the 24-year-old judoka is more determined to compete, especially after being given the honor to carry the national colors in the opening ceremonies this Saturday at the National Stadium.

Carter said Watanabe was so fired up with the distinction that she vowed to go all out when she competes in the Summer Games starting next Tuesday at the Nippon Budokan Hall.

Aside from Watanabe, also tasked to carry the flag will be boxer Eumir Marcial while top officials from various federations will join in the traditional parade of nations. “The one that really motivates her the most was when she was assigned to be the flag bearer. She told me that this Olympics, she will give her 100 percent,” Carter, a director of the Philippine Olympic Committee, told Daily Tribune.

“At first, she was a bit reluctant, but after consulting with her coaches, she realized that it’s going to be a big honor for her.”

The Filipino-Japanese Watanabe, the 2018 Asian Games silver medalist, had spent her entire Olympic buildup at Waseda University and was fortunate enough to sustain his training despite the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

She was able to compete in several grand slam tournaments in Israel and Kyrgyzstan before claiming her Olympic slot via continental quota.

With that, Carter said Watanabe is opting to keep her cards close to her chest, aware that she is closely being monitored by her Japanese counterparts.

“Her coaches don’t want to disclose that much about her preparations. Of course, it is sensitive because she is being monitored by other Japanese competitors.”

“They know that she is Japan-trained and she is a threat to them.”

Entering the Olympic village on Wednesday, Carter guaranteed that Watanabe is now ready to do her tasks of carrying the Philippine flag and showcase her talent in the women’s -63 kg event.

“We believe her when she said that she will give her 100 percent. She is really inspired,” Carter said.