Yukiko Saito

Started: She joined the Kesennuma Athletics Club in Japan in grade seven of middle school. (Athlete, 14 Jul 2017; suntory.co.jp, 31 Oct 2016) Reason: Her physical education teacher suggested she should try the sport after spotting her potential. She began competing in Para athletics after starting university. (kahoku.co.jp, 17 Dec 2018; FTV8 YouTube channel, 24 Sep 2018; Athlete, 14 Jul 2017) Additional Info: BECOMING A MOTHER She gave birth to her daughter in March 2023, and returned to competition five months later. "I was always thinking about continuing my sporting career after giving birth, so I spent my pregnancy considering that. My husband looks after my child when I train." (nhk.or.jp, 15 Jul 2023; Nippon Challenged Athlete YouTube channel, 18 Apr 2023) EARTHQUAKE She was living in Kesennuma when Japan was hit by the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. Her family home was destroyed in the disaster. "I was a second year high school student in my hometown. I was warming up for club activities in the school building when the ground suddenly shook violently. I evacuated outside, and I still vividly remember watching the tsunami." (mainichi.jp, 27 Mar 2015, 09 Dec 2023)