Ten years have passed since Ai Ueda flew to the last Japanese medal at WTCS Yokohama. Ten long years in which Yokohama has hosted phenomenal race after phenomenal race, without the home team managing to come away with the podium finish the local crowds would so dearly relish. Times, however, may be changing.
A new generation is coming through in Japanese triathlon, foremost among which is Manami Hayashi. In recent years, the reigning national champion has dominated the Asia Cup circuit and went on to make a WTCS debut in Yokohama last year. A final result of 25th place represented a solid outcome from her maiden appearance.
“I was very excited to come out of the swim with athletes I usually only see on TV and to stay with them through the bike segment. At the same time, I was disappointed that I could not perform better in the run. If I had run better, I think I could have made the race even more exciting.”
Taking the place of Ueda, double Asian Games champion Yuko Takahashi carried the torch for the Japanese team until her retirement at the end of last year. Now it is Hayashi’s turn.
“Since Yuko Takahashi retired, I feel a responsibility as the Japanese champion to compete against the world’s best athletes. At the same time, I still see myself as a ‘young chick’ who is not yet well known internationally, so I want to keep challenging stronger athletes and proving myself by beating them.”
In a testament to her potential, Hayashi went on to finish 4th at the World U23 Championships in Wollongong at the end of the season.
“I had not achieved strong results in U23 races in 2024, so I lacked confidence going into the race,” she said of Wollongong. “However, the race unfolded well for me, and I was able to stay calm and run at my own pace until the finish. Finishing 4th was surprising, but more than anything, I felt relieved because it finally felt like I had reached the starting line of the world stage.”
Being among the youngest athletes on the Yokohama start line, Hayashi was not yet involved in triathlon back when Ai Ueda last made the Yokohama podium and did not watch her compatriot medal. “However, knowing that an athlete with a similar height to mine was able to compete successfully on the world stage motivated me to work harder.”
With time on her side to potentially emulate Ueda one day, at this early point in her career Hayashi heads to Yokohama with clear objectives for the race. “Since this race is an important qualifier for the Asian Games, I’m very nervous, but I want to make sure I finish as the top Japanese athlete.”
Although she endured a few injuries during winter training, “overall the preparation went well”. Hayashi will therefore step up to the start line this weekend ready to open a new chapter in Japanese triathlon. The wait for Ueda’s successor may go on for a little longer yet, but in Manami Hayashi the Yokohama crowds will have someone to rally behind in the coming years and beyond.