Sugihara Aiko, a two-time Olympian representing Japan, expressed her sincere gratitude to both fans and teammates for their steadfast support during her comeback. This backing was crucial in helping the women’s team achieve their first medal at the world championships in six decades.
“Thanks to everyone, I was able to get back to my best condition and compete in the tournament,” said Sugihara, 27, following Japan’s bronze medal victory in the women’s team final at the World Championships, which concluded on Sunday in Rotterdam.
This significant achievement also secures a spot for the Japanese women’s team at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, a milestone that Sugihara, who finished sixth all-around at the 2017 Worlds and seventh all-around at the 2025 Worlds, views as a shared success.
“We were able to win a bronze medal as a team, and I think this is a medal we won together,” she remarked. “We were also able to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics, so I’m incredibly grateful.”
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