Maya Nakanishi

Started: She took up the sport in 2007 in Oita Prefecture, Japan. (Athlete, 15 Nov 2019; seam-marketing.co.jp, 14 Mar 2015) Reason: She played tennis prior to her accident and began running as part of her rehabilitation with the aim of returning to tennis. One of her friends later suggested she try Para athletics. (Athlete, 15 Nov 2019, 14 Jul 2017) Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (yomiuri.co.jp, 11 Jan 2024) Awards: In 2020 she was presented with a Distinguished Service to Sport award by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan. (atpress.ne.jp, 01 Dec 2020) Additional Info: RETURN FROM RETIREMENT She returned to Para athletics in 2013 having previously announced her retirement from the sport following the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. "I just liked this sport because I could do it without a leg, but the reality was different from my expectations so I decided on retirement. However, I changed my mind thanks to my coach who trusted my ability." (parasapo.tokyo, 24 Feb 2021; us-lighthouse.com, 01 Aug 2017; sponichi.co.jp, 25 Aug 2014) BOOK In December 2014 a book on her life called 'Last Win' was published. It was written by Tatsuhito Kaneko. (prtimes.jp, 01 Dec 2014)