Japanese Olympic Committee President Yasuhiro Yamashita was elected a member of the International Olympic Committee at its general assembly, reports The Japan Times.
Yamashita is former judoka and 1984 Los Angeles Games gold medalist.
He becomes the second active IOC member from Japan, the host nation for the 2020 Olympics.
“I’m feeling a heavy weight of responsibility. It’s important that I do what leads to the development of the Olympic movement,” said Yamashita.
Hum…Mr. Yasuhiro Yamashita, President of JOC (won OGM in 1984, judo) became an IOC member…(cannot find the EN source yet). But i cannot have high hopes on this coz he is the very person who decided not to disclose JOC directors’ mtng to the media. –https://t.co/GoBP3yGco0
— elanvital (@evergreenjade) January 10, 2020
“To be honest I’m surprised. I think it’s not how they see me, but how they see the trust level of Japan. I’m not sure if I’m worthy of becoming an IOC member. I have a lot to work on, starting with language skills. I’ll study hard in order to fulfill my duty.”
Yamashita’s election marked the return of a Japanese judo practitioner to the Olympic governing body for the first time in nearly a century!
When asked what he wished to accomplish in his new role, Yamashita said he wants to use sports as a social tool to make a positive impact on society.
“Sports can contribute to a society that is sustainable and inclusive, and free from discrimination. I want to keep this vision close to my heart,” he said.
