Japan Gymnastics Association Secretary-General Kenji Nishimura said at a July 19 press conference that 19-year-old Miyata Shoko, captain of Japan's Olympic gymnastics team, withdrew from the Olympics on Friday due to allegations of smoking and drinking.
CNN reported that Miyata's actions violated the Japan Gymnastics Association's (JGA) code of conduct. report.
“Both sides held discussions and decided to withdraw.” [Miyata] From the Olympics” Nishimura Said Nishimura claimed that Miyata had been smoking “at a private location somewhere in Tokyo” and drinking alcohol “in a room in the athletes' village at the National Training Center.”
“She turned to smoking and drinking due to the numerous pressures from the competitive goals that were set for her,” Nishimura added.
The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) said that no Olympic gymnast had ever withdrawn for such a reason before, making this withdrawal historic, Kyodo News reported. reportWith Miyata's withdrawal, only four athletes will be able to participate in the Paris Olympics in 2024. Since Miyata is not withdrawing due to injury or illness, no other athletes will be sent to replace him. (Related: Video of Italian artist using tractor to paint Eiffel Tower images on multiple fields)
According to Kyodo News, Miyata will win the bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships, becoming the first Japanese female gymnast to win a medal at the 2020 Olympics since 1964.
“This is not just Miyata's responsibility. I believe the entire gymnastics association is responsible. Miyata must pay for the crime she committed, but we will do everything in our power to support her so that she can take a new step towards the future,” All Japan Gymnastics Association president Masashi Fujita said, CNN reported.
Miyata appears to have deleted her social media accounts following this news.
Shoko Miyata (19), the captain of the Japanese women's gymnastics team at the Paris Olympics and a star athlete, has withdrawn from the national team after admitting to smoking and drinking. https://t.co/8nC4f5poPi
— The Japan Times (@japantimes) July 19, 2024
Women's gymnastics qualifying rounds set to begin on July 28, Japan Times report.
