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In May 2024, ���򾺲��Ƽ� entered into a partnership with para swimmer Takayuki Suzuki. Since 2016, the company has been an official partner of the Japan Para Swimming Federation, contributing to the improvement of athletic performance for para-athletes. This partnership marks a new chapter as Suzuki prepares to compete in his sixth Paralympic Games at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

We spoke with Takayuki Suzuki and, representing the ���򾺲��Ƽ�, Shimpei Ashina to explore the future of their collaboration.

Born with disabilities affecting both legs and hands, Takayuki Suzuki, who has represented Japan in six consecutive Paralympic Games, began swimming at the age of six and entered the world of competitive swimming at 15. Two years later, he participated in the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, where he won a silver medal in the 4×50m medley relay. Since then, he has competed in Beijing, London, Rio, Tokyo and Paris, earning a total of 14 medals, including two gold.

In 2024, just before the Paris Paralympic Games, Suzuki signed a partnership agreement with ���򾺲��Ƽ�, which will provide him with nutritional support through its products and support for his athletic endeavors.

Note: interview conducted in early 2024, prior to the Paris Paralympics

Suzuki:
“The partnership was my suggestion. I had been using the ���򾺲��Ƽ�’s products, like supplements provided to the federation, both in my athletic life and in my personal life. I first brought up the idea during the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games. My initial thought was that it would be great if they could support me not only in my athletic career but also in my post-retirement activities.

Living in the UK for eight years, I often struggled to access Japanese food, leading to nutritional imbalances. That’s why I thought a partnership with the the ���򾺲��Ƽ�, which supports athletes nutritionally, would be beneficial.”

Ashina:
“Our team, including myself, often visit training venues and competitions to spend time with para-athletes and exchange various ideas. Over time, our interactions with Suzuki naturally led to discussions about a partnership.”

Suzuki:
“I was also interested in the ���򾺲��Ƽ�’s ongoing efforts to solve food and health issues.”

Ashina:
“Goldwin Co., Inc., the company Suzuki belongs to, also pursues sustainability, which aligns well with the ���򾺲��Ƽ�’s values. When collaborating, it is crucial that both companies share the same vision.”

Interviewer:
“After the Tokyo Games, you mentioned that your future was ‘undecided,’ yet you decided to compete in Paris. What led to that decision?”

Suzuki:
“I felt that my body hadn’t reached its limit yet. At one point, I had issues with my shoulder, but by reviewing my swimming technique and training, I made significant improvements. My times have been getting better, and I believe I can still compete at the highest level.”

Interviewer:
“You’ve had a long career. How do you overcome slumps and anxiety?”

Suzuki:
“No matter how bad the slump, I always feel that I just have to do what needs to be done. In 2012, before and after the London Games, I was particularly struggling and found myself in a vicious cycle of overthinking. To pull myself out of that, I focused solely on following the training menus prepared by my coach.”

Interviewer:
“How do you maintain your motivation over such a long period?”

Suzuki:
“I try to find something interesting each time. Training is repetitive, but if you can narrow in on your own interests, it helps you maintain focus.”

Interviewer:
“So identifying challenges and finding ways to improve is key to your perseverance?”

Suzuki:
“I seek out elements that I can enjoy and use them as motivation. Ultimately, that has become my secret to longevity in the sport. Since I’m swimming anyway, I might as well enjoy it.”

Interviewer:
“You are a key figure in Japan’s para swimming scene. Do you feel a responsibility to mentor the next generation?”

Suzuki:
“I want to share my knowledge and experience to help develop the sport. However, I am also aware of the challenges of offering advice, especially considering generational differences. It’s important not to impose my own standards too much, but sometimes a firm stance is appropriate.”

Interviewer:
“What kind of challenges do you face in para swimming?”

Suzuki:
“There are various challenges, such as physical development and securing sponsors.”

Ashina:
“Raising awareness of the Paralympics is another challenge, not just in para swimming. The Paralympics are just as impactful and inspiring as the Olympics, and more people should know about the incredible achievements of para-athletes.”

Suzuki:
“Our role as para-athletes may be to show society that people with disabilities can find their place and thrive. But there are times when I feel that we are still far from achieving the inclusive society I envision. We need to keep thinking about what it means to make inclusivity the norm.”

Interviewer:
“With this partnership, will there be more collaborative efforts between Suzuki and the ���򾺲��Ƽ� in the future?”

Ashina:
“After the Paris Games, I hope Suzuki will visit other affiliates of the Group around the world. We are considering several global plans, such as dialogues and lectures in countries like Brazil and Thailand.”

Interviewer:
“Suzuki, you’ve expressed interest in extending healthy lifespans for people with disabilities.”

Suzuki:
“First, I want to live a long life myself (laughs). It’s an area of interest for me, and the ���򾺲��Ƽ� has relevant expertise. Sports, in general, contribute to extending healthy lifespans, so I want to combine these elements to work on extending healthy lifespans for everyone, with or without disabilities.

This is something I believe will be important in society moving forward, and there is a real demand for it. Since it’s something I’m personally interested in. This was one of the ideas I proposed when I signed the contract with the ���򾺲��Ƽ�.”

Ashina:
“This aligns perfectly with our ‘Eat Well, Live Well.’ philosophy.”

Interviewer:
“Finally, could you share your thoughts on the Paris Games?”

��Suzuki:
“The competition will be tougher than in Tokyo, but since I’m participating, I want to win as many medals as possible. I’m also very encouraged by the ���򾺲��Ƽ�’s strong support. There’s always a concern about food when traveling abroad, but that’s something we can address now. I’ll give it my all, so please cheer me on. And I hope you’ll continue to support me even after the Paris Games.”

In response to his determination, the ���򾺲��Ƽ� is committed to widely promoting Suzuki’s activities and encouraging support from the public—not just for the Paris Games, but beyond. The challenge for both Suzuki for all para athlete, and for the ���򾺲��Ƽ� continues.