UWW

Takahashi won 2017 world title with 6-0 win over Thomas GILMAN (USA), making him Japan's first gold medalist in freestyle since 1981...Took bronze medal in 2018...In 2020, won 4th national title...Asian champion in 2o17, bronze medalist in 2019 and 2020...Lost out on place at Rio 2016 Olympics to eventual silver medalist Rei HIGUCHI...Qualified Japan for Tokyo 2020 by winning final world qualifier in Sofia, then defeated Higuchi 6-4 in playoff for Olympic team spot. Only went to world qualifier after Higuchi failed to make weight at Asian qualifying tournament...Currently a coach at his alma mater, Yamanashi Gakuin University, where he was 2-time national collegiate champion...His wife Sayaka is a former wrestler.