Akira Kano has high hopes ahead of PyeongChang 2018

Akira Kano is approaching the upcoming season with high expectations.

The Japanese does not want to set any limitations on what he can achieve in the future. He has already pocketed three golds and one bronze over two Paralympic Games. From his drive, it seems he has no plans of slowing down entering PyeongChang 2018.

Heading into his 13th-year on the international circuit, Kano plans to challenge himself “towards the worldwide level” and continue improving his overall skiing technique one step at a time.

He has spent time doing physical therapy and developing his equipment during the offseason. With that, he will continue to grow not only in the sport, but also as a person.

“I have experienced many things through my skiing life, through which I could develop myself as a human being,” he added.

Kano enjoyed skiing as a child growing up in Hokkaido, Japan. After sustaining spinal cord injuries in an automobile accident in his third year of primary school, he still wanted to return to the snow. Soon after, he was introduced to sit-skiing. Kano has practiced with the sport ever since.

“I like the thrill of speed and the punching of energy of sit-skiing, which I cannot feel in the normal wheelchair every day,” the 31-year-old said. “In addition, I feel so much freedom, no limitations.”

He made his international debut for Japan in 2004 at the World Cup in Abtenau, Austria. Six years later, he was competing at his first Paralympic Games in Vancouver, Canada.

In less than one year, Kano will be back chasing a Paralympic podium spot in PyeongChang, South Korea. “If I do not stop making an effort, I will accomplish my goals,” he said.

The PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games will be held 9-18 March.