Ito Jota at it again with his weird logic. See how Hirano handles being the oldest for WTTC 2024 and the only one with Olympic experience.
The fact is Ito's age (as well as her ailing body) doesn't leave any room for her to be selected as the reserve player. She would've earned more praise had she just cut the chase and got to the point. Just admit that she doesn't have the youth and the results and it would've been the end of it.
【卓球】23歳が最年長の女子日本代表 平野美宇「不安なこともあると思う」15歳で初選出の張本美和へ気づかい
https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/sports/8d105a2016b7409fa5a05c4c82e8495d
In particular, Harimoto is selected as the represetative for the first time at the age of 15. "I think her play is really comparable to that of adults," Hirano said, praising her teammates who will compete alongside her at the Olympics.
"I was 15 when I first competed in the WTTC. I'm sure she is more solid than I was then, but there could be concerns. I want to do my best so that I can give you pointers when something happens," she said, showing her determination as a senior.
「自分が唯一の五輪経験者」パリ五輪代表・平野美宇 打倒・中国＆金メダル獲得へ女子代表をリードする覚悟
https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/sports/e4daf35d6523497ba0126709da937a91
This is Hirano's second consecutive Olympic appearance, following her participation in the team event at the Tokyo Olympics. On the other hand, Hayata and Harimoto will be participating in the Olympics for the first time. "I'm the only one who has played in the Olympics once, so I have to do my best and make sure people can rely on me," she said of her determination to lead the Japanese women's table tennis representatives.
平野美宇「まさか」唯一の五輪経験者となり自覚「新しい風に」代表入り１５歳張本美和に敬意「私よりしっかりしてる」
https://www.daily.co.jp/general/2024/02/05/0017301648.shtml
Tokyo Olympics medalist Ito Mima (23) =Starts= lost out, ending her third consecutive appearance in the tournament. This marks Hirano's first singles appearance following her silver medal in WT at the Tokyo Olympics, making her the only person with Olympic experience, but she says, "
Both Hayata and Harimoto are probably more solid than I am. I think we'll be able to display a new Team Japan (different from past tournaments), so I want the 3 of us to work together to create new wind," she said with enthusiasm.
Ishikawa Kasumi, who competed with her at the Tokyo Olympics, retired last year, and Ito, who is the same age has been leading Japan's women, also missed out. Hirano attended a press conference in Tokyo and frankly said, "
I never thought I would be the only one with (Olympic) experience," adding, "but both Harimoto and Hayata are very strong and worked really hard. I think (the key) is how well I can do it," she said, emphasizing her respect for the 2 players who are competing for the first time. "Last time, I relied on Ishikawa and Ito, but this time Ito is gone (Ishikawa retired), so I'm doing my best as much as possible. Harimoto is also doing well, but I hope I can be relied upon if she has any concerns," she said, showing her awareness as an elder.
Harimoto, who was present at the press conference, said, "I'm the youngest in age and lowest in seniority, but I hope I can follow the example of my seniors, Hayata and Hirano, and fit in with the team so I don't feel embarrassed (as a member of the Japan's representatives)," she said innocently.
