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Rui Imai, a 2016 Rio Olympic swimmer for Japan who joined TBS last spring, made her directorial debut on the news program “Nスタ” (N-STA) scheduled to air on the 11th. The subject of her up-close report was Rikako Ikee (25), a fellow 2016 Olympian and longtime rival who has competed in three consecutive Olympic Games.
Imai spent a day capturing Ikee’s leisure time, starting with a visit to the restaurant “bills” in Tokyo, a place they often went to during their competitive days. The conversation quickly became lively, even touching on romance as Imai asked, “Can I ask about love affairs?” and Ikee replied, “Well, as far as I can share.”
Seven years ago, Imai frequently visited Ikee’s hospital room while she was battling leukemia. When asked about how she overcame the serious illness, Ikee recalled, “I just kept laughing.”
Later, the two visited Chiba Children’s Hospital to encourage a middle school student fighting leukemia. The content includes words only Ikee, who experienced a grueling battle with the disease, could offer, and it serves as a message of encouragement for everyone fighting illness and everyone living in the present.
**Rikako Ikee’s comment:**
“This was a precious opportunity for me. It overlapped with my own past experiences and became a day to remind myself of the meaning of my existence and the significance of striving. As an athlete, I naturally focus on results, and when results don’t come, I sometimes worry and feel down thinking ‘I’m not good enough.’ But I realized that there are people who are happy just to see me swimming energetically, not just because of my competition outcomes. I want to remember this experience and engrave in my heart that my living and competing brings joy to others. Going forward, of course I aim for big stages like the Asian Games, but I also want to show everyone a truly cool side in various domestic competitions. And through interviews, I want to smile and proudly say ‘I did my best,’ continuing to achieve such results this year, next year, and beyond.”
**Rui Imai’s comment:**
“This was my first time working together as a member of the media with a top athlete. I felt that we’ve both grown up, and we were able to spend a relaxed, authentic holiday together, just like usual in front of the camera. We enjoyed reminiscing about old memories and took a deep look back at her battle with the illness. During the hospital visit, I saw up close how Rikako herself proactively spoke to the parents and child fighting illness, and how earnestly she listened to the doctor. I was able to witness her strength and warmth as a human being once again. I feel
