A lot of expectations for an Olympic medal are riding on Koji Murofushi’s shoulder. As the son of Olympic champ Shigenobu and Olympic javelin thrower for Romania, Serafina, nothing but the best is expected. Coming from such a sound sports background, Murofushi was formalized into the sport at a very young age. His father Shigenobu is also called the “Man of Iron” and has thrown the hammer for Japan in three Olympics.
Initiated to the sport at the age of 10, Murofushi’s father mentored him in the initaly stages. Well educated and with the intention of using both brains and brawn, he studied at the Chukyo University Graduate School of Physical Education to master the rotational theory and technique of hammer throwing and even has a doctorate degree in biomechanics. Murofushi’s medal tally includes a gold medal from the Athens Olympics and the world championships in Daegu, South Korea. The controversial ‘almost bronze medal’ in the Beijing Olympics can never be forgotten.
Murofushi is one of Japan’s famous athletes and is seen endorsing many products on TV. He is larger built than most Japanese men but his 187-centimeter, 99 kilogram frame isn’t that big enough, when compared to his rivals in the hammer throw. Murofushi’s current coach is Swedish man Tore Gustafsson, who incidentally holds the Swedish record in hammer throw. The London event will be Murofushi’s fourth Olympic event and he is one of 21 athletes up for nomination to the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission.
[Via]