Koji Murofushi appointed Tokyo 2020 Sports Director

“I want to contribute to organising an athlete-focused Games that will deliver a long-term legacy and benefit for the sporting community in Japan and beyond."

Tokyo 2020 has appointed Olympic hammer throw champion Koji Murofushi as its new Sports Director, as part of the organising committee’s efforts to actively involve athletes at all levels of its preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020.

Koji Murofushi is an accomplished hammer thrower who won the gold medal at the Athens 2004 Games and bronze at the London 2012 Games. Earlier this month, he won his 20th successive hammer throw title at the national athletics championships. He was appointed as a member of the Tokyo 2020 Executive Board last January.

Speaking about his appointment to the new role, Murofushi remarked: “I've had the honour of competing in four Summer Olympic Games from Sydney 2000 to London 2012 and I know what it takes to make a great experience for athletes.

“I am delighted and flattered to have been chosen as the Tokyo 2020 Sports Director,” he added. “I want to contribute to organising an athlete-focused Games that will deliver a long-term legacy and benefit for the sporting community in Japan and beyond.

“In 2020, we will host the entire world and I want to create an environment at the Tokyo Games that will enable athletes to compete and perform to the peak of their abilities. I am 100% committed to making these Games the best ever.”

39-year-old Murofushi is still actively competing in the sport, and recently secured his 20th Japanese hammer throw title.