Recently, news about Aoyama Gakuin University head coach Susumu Hara being accidentally injured has sparked considerable attention.
nine-time Hakone Ekiden champion and currently 59-year-old Aoyama Gakuin University head coach Susumu Hara was filming in his hometown, Hiroshima Prefecture RCC Chugoku Broadcasting's personal interview television program,during which he accidentally fell off his bicycle and was injured.
He was diagnosed with three fractures in his right ankle,fortunately his head was not injured，on the 19 he underwentsurgery，手术很成功，现正在住院休养。
After the operationhe admitted:"This wasn't the TV station's fault. They wouldn't force me to do anything impossible. My head and body weren't coordinated, so I fell. At that moment I wondered, would I break a bone?"
He admitted this injury made him feel“very embarrassed”, because he often harshly criticizes teammates who carelessly sprain themselves or get hurt while cyclingteammates. He said:“I'm very sorry for causing trouble for the team. I'm embarrassed by my injury, but I hope the athletes can learn from my accident and be extremely careful. If I were a competitor, this injury would be a career-ending blow.
Image source: China-Japan News
For the upcoming rehabilitation, doctors estimate Susumu Hara will need about one month of treatment.Since being appointed head coach of Aoyama Gakuin in 2004, he has worked tirelessly for 22 years, so he plans to use this time to fully readjust his physical condition。Regarding the athletes' guidance, there is an excellent coaching team to share the responsibility with him.
As the soul of Aoyama Gakuin,Susumu Hara's short-term absence will inevitably affectthe team's daily guidance and morale,but fortunately, he said that around August ,willcoach this year's summer training camp in perfect physical condition.
Aoyama Gakuin University currently has achieved a three-peat in the Hakone Ekiden, and over the past 12 years they've secured 9 titles, but this year's "new Mountain God" Asahi Kuroda,Shota Shiode and other original core runners have already graduated.
Facing the No. 5 section vacancy, although Aoyama Gakuin still has many outstanding climbing specialists such as Kuroda Zen and Uenoyama Kenshiro, they lack Hakone experience — how they will actually perform remains a big question mark.
Led by Sota Orita and Shota Iida and Aito Sato as the leaders,"golden third-years" have started to take over across the board.这三位All three均具备万米 27 分台的顶尖实力，小河原Haru Kohara也在近期关东校际赛 5000 m event, showing excellent form and跑出 13:31.99 刷新 PB。
With Aoyama Gakuin University's tradition and talent pool, I believe by 2027 , it will still be one of the favorites to win the Hakone Ekiden.
Do you think Aoyama Gakuin can successfully defend their title at this year's Hakone Ekiden? What strong rivals will Aoyama Gakuin face on the road to defending the title? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.
Text:Running Notes / Editor:MP
