After bagging Japan’s first karate gold at Tokyo 2020, Ryo Kiyuna, an Olympic competitor in men’s kata offered a heartfelt tribute to his late mother.
The 31-year-old Japanese was seen holding the gold medal and a photograph of his mother at the podium, who passed two years ago.
“After the win, I wanted to tell my late mother that I kept the promise getting the win at the Olympics,” said the three-time world champion.
“She passed away two years ago and I would have loved for her to be here to see me.
I think she is smiling and crying in heaven.
The history maker is proud to win Japan’s first-ever gold medal in Karate at Nippon Budokan, the spiritual home of Japanese martial arts, at the Tokyo Olympics yesterday.
Cover images via insidethegames
Proofreader: Anna Wong
