After their long flight back from Italy was delayed by two hours, several of Team Japan’s Olympic medal-winners headed straight to a Tokyo hotel Tuesday for a news conference to mark the return of the nation’s most successful Winter Olympians yet.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude once again to the many members of the public who stayed up late to offer heartwarming encouragement and support throughout the tournament,” said chef de mission Hidehito Ito, hailing Japan’s five gold, seven silver and 12 bronze medals. The total of 24 was six higher than the previous record set at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022.
“This was the most successful Team Japan in Winter Olympic history, both in total medals and overall results,” Ito said. “Not only the medalists but many more athletes delivered outstanding performances, supported by exceptional coaching and staff. It was a great honor to compete alongside such wonderful athletes.”
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