Courage to take a step forward despite obstacles. What Rikuto Miyahara, the hope of the boccia world, wants to convey through his competition
Entering the Reiwa era, young power is rising in each sports world. In the golf world, 20-year-old Hinako Shibuno is the first Japanese female golfer to win an overseas major in 42 years since Hisako Higuchi. In the basketball world, 21-year-old Rui Hachimura, who was the first Japanese to be nominated in the first round by the Washington Wizards in the NBA draft, ran up the star road at once. And the wave is definitely surging into the boccia world. This time, the spotlight is on 17-year-old Rikuto Miyahara, who is currently making rapid progress toward the Tokyo Paralympics. After placing third at the Japan Boccia Championships (individual) held in December last year, she won second place at this year's Kanto Boccia Championships (individuals) and won the Tokyo Boccia Championships (individuals). In the past two years, he has won numerous titles. We asked this next-generation hope to talk about the appeal of boccia and the message he wants to convey through the sport.
Satoshi Dairaku
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2019/12/11
――Please tell us how you started playing boccia.
Miyahara: When I was in the third year of junior high school, I was wondering whether to go to a regular high school or a special support school. At that time, there was a boccia class at a special support school, and when I participated in it, I was able to feel that even I, who was in a wheelchair, could enjoy exercising. The school also has a boccia club, and the decisive factor in starting the competition was the desire to become No.
In addition to that, one of the reasons is that I have always liked ball games. I'm a fan of the Yomiuri Giants, and I like Hayato Sakamoto and Yoshihiro Maru, so I've been watching baseball, as well as soccer and the recent Rugby World Cup.
――You like all kinds of sports! Boccia is divided into classes based on disability. What is Miyahara's class?
Miyahara: I'm in the "BC4" class. This class is for athletes with severe limb dysfunction such as myself, for example, muscular dystrophy (*generic name for hereditary muscle diseases whose main lesion is necrosis and regeneration of skeletal muscle).
――After actually playing the game, what do you think is appealing about boccia?
Miyahara: At first glance, it's a simple sport, but it's actually very deep. Various tactics and tricks are used to fight in millimeters, and you don't know what will happen until the very end. .
――In terms of tactics, I think boccia can be roughly divided into two types: power type and strategy type. Which player is Miyahara?
Miyahara: I'm more of a "strategic type". When the opponent moves the ball to the side of the jack, how do you flip it? I like to think of such tactics. At home, my father and I are always discussing strategies at the dinner table.
――So you and your father are working together on boccia.
Miyahara:is that so. I'm on good terms with my family (laughs). My father helps me when I exercise and when I practice boccia, which is very helpful.
――Is there anything that you pay attention to in your daily life as a boccia player, including moving your body?
Miyahara:I have. I throw with my right hand, but if I sleep with my right hand down, my right hand hurts when I wake up. That's why I'm careful about how I sleep so that I don't put weight on my dominant arm.
――It’s an important “tool of the trade”, isn’t it? So, outside of competition training, is there anything you do that helps boccia?
Miyahara: Sometimes I play Othello at school. At first glance, the rules are simple, but when you get down to it, the strategy is very deep. Also, this is mostly a hobby, but I'm making miniature food using polymer clay.
――Is it like a food sample?
Miyahara: In the past, I used to go to shops where I could experience making food replicas, but recently I've been making smaller miniature food at home. I really like that kind of detailed work.
――You're good with your hands. It seems that it is connected to the delicate control of the pitch. Going back to the topic of competition, Boccia has a different way of fighting between team competitions (3 vs 3) and individual competitions.
Miyahara: Yes, I'm better at individual battles. In boccia, both individuals and teams can use 6 pitches per match, but in the latter case, each player is allocated 2 pitches. That's why a single mistake can affect the outcome of the game, so I'm more nervous than playing alone. On the other hand, in the individual match, I can use all 6 pitches to set up the match by myself, so even if I make a mistake, I can make up for it, so I feel comfortable (laughs).
――The amount of pressure applied in a match is completely different between three players and one player (laughs). Then, if there is anything you have learned through your two years of competitive life, please let me know.
Miyahara：I learned the importance of continuous effort from Boccia. Because I had been away from boccia for a week before, and that alone ruined my form, and I had a really hard time getting back to where I was before I rested. Ever since I learned how difficult it is, I have cherished the attitude of continuing to work on it with as little gaps as possible.
--thank you. Please tell us about your future prospects.
Miyahara: My most recent goal is to win the Japan Boccia Championship in December. If I win this, although it is not certain, I may be able to participate in next year's Tokyo Paralympics. And when that dream comes true, I definitely want to win a medal and raise the Japanese flag.
--We look forward! What aspects of boccia would you like to see at the tournament?
Miyahara: Boccia is a game where you don't know what will happen until the end, so I would like you to see and feel the tension together.
――Finally, if there is a message you want to convey through boccia, please let us know.
Miyahara: I want people with disabilities to take on challenges without hesitation. In order to give many people the courage to take that first step, I will do my best to achieve good results in boccia and make good reports.
Interview and text: Satoshi Dairaku
Editing and photography: Shusho Sato
Interview and text: Satoshi Dairaku
Editing and photography: Shusho Sato
<Information>
The 21st Japan Boccia Championship, in which Miyahara will participate, will be held from December 20th to 22nd at Sky Hall Toyota in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.
Venue: Sky Hall Toyota (Toyota City General Gymnasium) 1-20 Yawata-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture 471-0861 TEL: 0565-31-0451
