Olympic champion Higuchi of Japan says to Vinesh Phogat, “I understand your pain, same 50g.”:
In the world of sports, where every ounce can make a difference, athletes often face the heartbreaking reality of setbacks due to the tiniest of margins.
Rei Higuchi, a Japanese Olympian who won gold, recently reached out to Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who lost her final match at the Paris Games after weighing 100 grammes too much. This was a striking example of this.
Higuchi’s gesture of empathy stems from his own painful experience at the Tokyo Olympics. In 2021, Higuchi was disqualified from the qualifiers for exceeding the weight limit by just 50 grams.
This small infraction had severe repercussions, costing him not only the chance to compete in the Tokyo Games but also a subsequent playoff bout.
Despite being one of the top contenders, Higuchi’s Olympic dream was dashed, a scenario that echoes Vinesh’s current plight.
In a touching show of solidarity, Higuchi reached out to Phogat with a heartfelt message: “I understand your pain the best. Same 50g. Don’t worry about the voices around you. Life goes on.
Rising from setbacks is the most beautiful thing. Take a good rest.” His words reflect a deep understanding of the emotional toll such disqualifications can have.
Having overcome his own disappointment, Higuchi’s success in Paris—where he claimed gold—serves as a testament to his resilience.
Vinesh, who is 29, faced her own heartbreak at the Paris Games when she was disqualified from her final match against Sara Ann Hildebrandt due to being overweight by 100 grams.
Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba replaced her in the final after her disqualification.
Vinesh has since appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, requesting that she be awarded a joint silver medal with Lopez, arguing she was within the weight limit during her matches earlier in the tournament.
The CAS hearing, where Vinesh is represented by senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, is set to conclude soon, and the decision will be eagerly awaited.
In the meantime, Higuchi’s support highlights a poignant aspect of sportsmanship—empathy and encouragement between competitors.
His message not only comforts Vinesh but also underscores the universal challenges athletes face, transcending borders and creating bonds of understanding and solidarity.
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Source: MNS