Rui Hachimura Japan
Photo: FIBA.Basketball

Washington Wizards rookie and Japan national team rising star Rui Hachimura posted a statement on the Tokyo Olympics being postponed.

“The world is facing a very difficult challenge and everyone’s focus needs to be on health and safety,” Hachimura said. … “I believe it will be an even greater celebration of both sport and life in my home country after the world overcomes this pandemic.”

Hachimura posted the statement on Twitter and Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

僕はアスリートとしてコンペティターであり、今年の夏のオリンピックで日本を代表する事をとても楽しみにしておりましたが、今回東京五輪が２０２１年に延期になった事を理解しサポートしています。世間は現在非常に厳しいチャレンジに直面し、今は皆さんの健康と安全が第一優先だと思います。オリンピックの全アスリートは来年に向けて世界中のファンの為に素晴らしいパフォーマンスをするモチベーションを持ち、世界がこのパンデミックを乗り越えた後、僕は自分の母国での素晴らしい祭典になると信じています。皆さん、それを実現するように一丸となりこれからも頑張りましょう！ I am a competitor and was looking forward to representing Japan in the Olympics this summer, but I also understand and support the decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics to 2021. The world is facing a very difficult challenge and everyone’s focus needs to be on health and safety.  Every Olympic athlete will be motivated to perform for the world next year and I believe it will be an even greater celebration of both sport and life in my home country after the world overcomes this pandemic.  Let’s all work together to make that happen! #StayStrong #Tokyo2021

A post shared by Rui “Louis” Hachimura 八村 塁 (@rui_8mura) on

In the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Hachimura averaged 13.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

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