The Tokyo 2020 organizing committee announced on Wednesday that former Olympic synchronized swimming bronze medalist Mikako Kotani has been appointed as the new sports director. The 54-year-old Kotani, who won bronze in the solo and duet events at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, will act as the “voice of the athletes,” in the overall management of the games. She will also coordinate with the International Olympic Committee and international sports federations.
“As Sports Director, I am very honored and humbled to be able to support the Olympic and Paralympic Games from a sporting perspective and the perspective of an Olympian,” Kotani said. “We will work hard to overcome the unprecedented challenge the world is facing, and help athletes perform to their best in a new kind of Games.”
Kotani, who became the first female flag bearer for the Japanese delegation at the Summer Olympic Games in 1988, was an ambassador of Tokyo’s bidding team to host the 2020 games.
