The Japanese Gymnastics Association (JGA) announced on July 18th that Shoko Miyata, captain of the women’s artistic gymnastics team, has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics. Miyata violated the team’s code of conduct by smoking and drinking alcohol.
The JGA confirmed the violation after Miyata returned to Japan from the team’s training camp in Monaco for investigation. This reduces the women’s squad to four athletes for the Games.
JGA President Tadashi Fujita expressed deep remorse at a press conference, bowing alongside other officials, including Miyata’s coach, Mutsumi Harada.
Miyata, a three-time NHK trophy champion, was expected to be a leader for the young team composed primarily of first-time Olympians and teenagers. Coach Harada acknowledged Miyata’s behavior was irresponsible but attributed it to the immense pressure she faced to succeed at the highest level.
“She was burdened with so much pressure,” Harada said emotionally, “I implore people to understand that.”
