Akiyo Noguchi Wins Asian Games in Olympic Test
The Tokyo Olympics are two years away and Akiyo Noguchi, 29, just won the women’s combined event at the Asian Games at Jakabaring Sport City in Palembang.
This was the first real test for some climbers who hope to make the cut for the 2020 games, where climbing will make its debut.
In second place was Sa Sol from North Korea, in third was Kim Ja and in fourth was Futaba Ito.
“I didn’t do well in the qualifiers, and I started in the bottom of the field after the first discipline so I was really stretched,” Noguchi said.
“I struggled both mentally and physically and it was a really tight competition. So I’m really glad I won today.”
Noguchi placed last in speed, but made up for it in bouldering where she won the field.
“My strong discipline helped me until the very end. I won because I was able to complete the final problem,” she said.
“Since I finished first in bouldering, I knew that I need to keep it going and finish in the top-two.” She finished in second in lead.
Next up in the men’s event, where Japan’s Tomoa Narasaki and Kokoro Fujii will compete.
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