AOKI Reona

General
TIME ABROAD
In 2022 she spent one month training in Great Britain. "I haven't been able to show my strength completely in overseas competitions. So I think that I need this kind of opportunity to keep my pace while adapting to a different environment. At this point, swimming is not just about swimming, it is about being human. I hope that this opportunity will be helpful for my personal growth." (sanspo, 06 Sep 2022)

COACH INSPIRATION
She considered quitting competitive swimming when she was in grade nine of middle school, and then again while she was in her fourth year of university. She was encouraged to continue her sporting career on both occasions by Norimasa Hirai, who has coached her since she was in primary school. "In grade nine my parents wanted me to focus on studying more than swimming. But coach Hirai persuaded them that I should continue because my performances in swimming would improve as I got older. I was then hesitant in deciding on a career path after completing my studies at university, as I thought that it would be meaningless for someone like me who lacked the talent to be a top athlete to keep swimming. But again, he was the one who told me to continue competitive swimming." (wattcycling, 05 Apr 2021)