Moe Nonaka, 6th place at the Asian Games, positive: ``I have to practice more''

His naturally cheerful demeanor has a new depth to it. Moe Nonaka (29) competed in the boulder in the women's sport climbing competition at the Aichi/Nagoya Asian Games. She made it through the semi-finals in 2nd place and finished in 6th place in the final on the 1st. "It's frustrating because I was so motivated. I have to practice more," he said with renewed vigor.

[Photo Feature] Tokyo Olympics Japanese medalist Moe Nonaka

The bulging muscles in his arms and back make him fall down as he climbs, something that hasn't changed since he was a young man. At the end of the first task of the final, he had the composure to put the non-slip pads on his hands again. However, he struggled with issues in which the position of his feet and the movement of his center of gravity were key. Only two of the four climbs were completed, and he left behind a pile of homework, saying, ``I'm not good at keeping balance after all.''

The pioneer who won the silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, which was a combined three-sport event, is now becoming a veteran. A climbing gym was opened in May last year. Currently, we also run a school mainly for elementary school students. The children's expressions of joy, even when they tried to climb or failed, reminded them of their original intentions, and said, ``I'm starting to think about each movement more than before.It's really interesting and I'm learning a lot.'' The way he approaches competition has increased in depth.

The back of her hair, dyed with enthusiasm, is red. Comparing it to the tournament mascot, he laughs and says, ``It's become like Honohon.'' At the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, each of the three events will be held separately. "The Olympics aren't that easy. I want to focus on boulder, which is my specialty." Enthusiasm is high for next season, when the competition for participation will be in full swing.