Akari FUJINAMI of Japan suffered her first international loss at the Asian Games which ended her 155-bout winning streak.
NAGOYA, Japan (October 5) -- Akari FUJINAMI (JPN) claimed the 57kg bronze medal at the Asian Games. She suffered her first international loss and first overall since 2017 after 155 wins.
World silver medalist Il Sim SON (PRK) built a 10-0 lead before pinning the Paris Olympic champion in the semifinals. Fujinami returned to win the bronze medal.
“I feel deeply frustrated," Fujinami said after winning the bronze medal. "Even though I lost, people supported me, which made me feel both frustrated and determined."
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Fujinami, however, added that she will recalibrate and begin her preparations to win the gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
“I have made up my mind that at the Los Angeles 2028 (Olympic Games), together with everyone who supported me, I will definitely win a gold medal," she said.
About her semifinal loss, Fujinami was emotional but said that feeling will fuel her quest for the next gold medal.
“It was an indescribable emotion that I had never experienced before," she said. I will never forget that feeling, and I don’t want to. I was extremely terrified to step onto the mat again after the semifinal. But my father and so many people were by my side, giving me words of encouragement and sending messages. I read all of them."
READ MORE: Nine Years, 153 Straight Wins Ago - Fujinami's Last Loss in 2017
The thought about her first loss and end of her winning streak had crossed Fujinami's mind before.
“Before the loss, there were moments when I wondered what would happen, but thanks to their support, I was able to stand firm, believing that this was a step toward Los Angeles 2028," she said. "I don’t know if the day will ever come when I can say I’m glad I lost, but I will definitely make this loss meaningful and become stronger."
While she had prepared well for the Asian Games, the campaign in Nagoya became a (un)forgettable one for her.
“It became an unforgettable Asian Games in many ways," she said. "It was good that I could show everyone this first step toward Los Angeles 2028, with the mindset that I am the one who will win gold in LA. I will rebuild myself from scratch.”