Athlete Yuma Hattori recalls the factors that allowed him ample space for growth, both mentally and physically. [Athletic Reminiscences]

Yuma Hattori, a 25-year-old long-distance runner and employee at Toyota Motor Corporation's Tahara Plant/Tahara Plant Administration Division, has captured the attention of the athletics world with his impressive performances. Hattori aspires to represent his home country of Japan in the men's marathon of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Hattori's journey began in elementary school, where he excelled in soccer and progressed in a regional club team. However, a switch to track and field as a long-distance runner in junior high school set him on a new path. His talent was recognised when he placed seventh nationwide in the 1,500 meter relay race, which led to being scouted by Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School, a renowned institution known for fielding strong ekiden teams.

Hattori's dedication to his craft was evident even during his high school days. Despite struggling with living on his own in a dormitory, he was able to set a new student record by completing the Kanakuri Memorial Kumanichi 30 Kilo Road Race in 1 hour, 28 minutes, and 52 seconds. His younger brother, Hazuma, followed him to the same school in his second year, bringing them closer together.

Hattori's career took a significant turn in 2016 when he joined Toyota. The company's emphasis on continuous improvement (kaizen) resonated with him, and he has since been a dedicated employee and athlete.

In recent years, Hattori has made a name for himself with his impressive marathon performances. In 2018, he demolished his final-seven-kilometer barrier at the Fukuoka International Open Marathon Championship, earning the first win for a Japanese runner in the event in 14 years. This victory qualified him to run in the Marathon Grand Championship (MGC), one of the Tokyo 2020 qualifying events.

However, Hattori's path to success hasn't been without challenges. For two races in a row, his body started to stall after running 35 kilometers, making the final seven kilometers a real challenge. But Hattori never gave up, and he was able to run at a pace of 3 minutes and 10 to 15 seconds for every kilometer in the race's final stages during the Prague Marathon.

Hattori's head coach, Yoshio Koide, has been instrumental in his development. Koide suggested that there are other ways to train for the final stages of a marathon, such as pushing oneself extremely hard over the course of two days, running for a distance longer than a marathon paced at a longer time, and running without rehydrating via sips of water.

Despite these challenges, Hattori remains focused on his goal of participating in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The Japan Association of Athletics Federations has promoted the MGC as a vital event for preparing for the Games, as it allows runners to gain experience running on a course that will be nearly identical to the course used at the Games.

As Hattori continues to train and compete, he is inspiring a new generation of athletes in Japan. His determination, dedication, and resilience are a testament to what can be achieved with hard work and a never-give-up attitude.

Yuma Hattori was absent during the team's practice at Shiroya Seaside Park on October 5 due to preparing for his next marathon.

For two races in a row, Hattori's body started to stall after running 35 kilometers, making the final seven kilometers a real challenge.

Hattori struggled with getting used to living on his own in a dormitory during high school.

Hattori suffered a stress fracture in his right ankle, causing him to take a five-month rest.

Hattori was drawn to Toyota due to its emphasis on continuous improvement (kaizen).

During his recovery, Hattori set a goal to compete in the Prague Marathon in May 2018.

Sato, Hattori's head coach, suggested that there are other ways to train for the final stages of a marathon, such as pushing oneself extremely hard over the course of two days, running for a distance longer than a marathon paced at a longer time, and running without rehydrating via sips of water.

In junior high school, Hattori decided to switch to track & field as a long-distance runner due to the school not having a soccer squad.

Hattori attended Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School, known for fielding strong ekiden teams, despite initially considering attending a local high school.

The Japan Association of Athletics Federations has promoted the MGC as a vital event for preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Games, as it allows runners to gain experience running on a course that will be nearly identical to the course used at the Games.

Hattori's victory in the Fukuoka International Open Marathon Championship qualified him to run in the Marathon Grand Championship (MGC), one of the Tokyo 2020 qualifying events.

Hattori aspires to represent his home country of Japan in the men's marathon of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Hattori's pace in the final stages of marathons often dropped to three and half minutes for every kilometer.

Hattori was able to run at a pace of 3 minutes and 10 to 15 seconds for every kilometer in the race's final stages during the Prague Marathon.

Hattori excelled in soccer during his elementary school days and progressed in a regional club team, eventually being selected for the Hokushin'etsu team, a semi-regional team representing five prefectures in central-north Japan.

Athlete Yuma Hattori recalls the factors that allowed him ample space for growth, both mentally and physically. [Athletic Reminiscences]