Japanese Player "Suddenly Asked to 'Raise Hands', Then Disqualified for Uniform Being 2cm Too Large... Considering Future Plans"

"Generally measured by spreading arms 30cm apart on the body"

On the 7th, at the National Ski Jumping Center in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China, Sara Takanashi of Japan was disqualified for 'uniform violation' during the mixed team ski jumping event at the 2020 Beijing Winter Olympics and is seen shedding tears. / Photo by AFP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Amid ongoing judging controversies at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, a Japanese ski jumper who was disqualified for uniform regulation violations protested that the measurement method was different from the usual one.

Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported on the 11th that "Sara Takanashi (高梨沙羅), who was disqualified for uniform regulation violations in the mixed team ski jumping event, said 'the uniform measurement method was different.'"

Chiharu Saito, head coach of the Japanese ski team, told the media, "Usually, the uniform is measured with the arms spread about 30cm from the body, but Takanashi was asked to take a 'hands-up' pose. She was inspected in that posture."

Earlier, in the mixed team ski jumping event held on the 7th, Takanashi was disqualified after being pointed out that the uniform on her thigh was 2cm larger than the regulation allowance. For the same reason, Katharina Althaus (Germany), Daniela Stolz (Austria), Anna Strøm, and Silje Opseth (both Norway) were also disqualified.

However, Takanashi wore the same uniform in the normal hill individual event at this Olympics, and there was no problem at that time. The same uniform was worn in one competition but received different judgments.

The official who inspected the uniforms said, "We did not measure differently than usual," adding, "It is unfortunate for the disqualified athletes, but rules are rules and apply to everyone."

Takanashi, a Japanese ski jumping star holding the record for the most wins with 61 victories in the International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Jumping World Cup, was aiming for a gold medal in her third Olympics but shed tears after being disqualified.

On the day after the competition, the 8th, she posted on her Instagram, "My disqualification in the mixed team event took away the medal opportunities for the entire Japanese team," and said, "I am truly sorry for deeply disappointing my teammates and the fans who have supported and cheered for us until now."

She continued, "The fact that everyone's lives changed because of my disqualification does not change," and added, "I need to think about future competitions. I am reflecting on having caused such a big issue."

Meanwhile, the Japan Ski Federation plans to submit a document with opinions regarding the uniform inspection methods to the International Ski Federation after the Olympics conclude.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.