Momoko Dekijima’s reasons to watch PyeongChang 2018

Last season finished where it all began for Momoko Dekijima, with a World Cup in her native Japan.

She first took up skiing after seeing a local event advertised in her home town. She had been looking to try a new sport after recovering from an operation to remove a tumour and this gave her the motivation she needed to start skiing.

From there, she has gone on to compete in World Cups and Paralympic Games in both cross-country and biathlon, finishing fifth in the biathlon last season, including a silver medal at the 2017 Finsterau World Championships.

Ahead of PyeongChang 2018 in March, Dekijima gives three reasons you should watch the Games.

New approaches to skiing

“Watch how each athlete uses their skis – it’s different based on each person’s impairment.”

Not just ‘shooting on sight’

“The visually impaired athletes are shooting based on sound targets, meanwhile sitting and standing athletes are shooting based on visual targets.”

Exciting finishes

“The moment just before the final section of the cross-country skiing sprint is very exciting for spectators!”

The Paralympic Winter Games will take place in PyeongChang from 9-18 March 2018.