ACOG - News - IBM

(23 July 1996; Day 4

KOGA Knows How to Win and Maybe When to Retire

Toshihiko KOGA of Japan has shown repeatedly throughout his career and in the early stages of these Centennial Olympic Games that he knows not only what to do but when to do it.

KOGA, the reigning judo star of Japan, perhaps took his Gold medal match of the 1996 Atlanta Games against Dmajel BOURAS of France just a little too casually. He coasted through the preliminary rounds by outpointing LO Yu-Wei (TPE) and Bronislaw WOLKOCICZ of Poland. He then turned on the heat, slamming Flavio CANTO of Brazil for an ippon to advance to the semi-finals.

Chants of "KOGA...KOGA...KOGA" greeted the world champion every time he made an appearance in the Georgia World Congress Center, site of this year's Olympic Judo competition.

The poised, confident look of a world champion turned to one of reflection in the press conference immediately following his unsuccessful endeavor to repeat as Olympic champion in the men's half-middleweight (72kg) division. "There are many passages (changes) going through my life right now," lamented KOGA.

An obviously disappointed KOGA stated the obvious by saying, "My endurance was not sufficient." -- a not so veiled reference to his defeat by the younger BOURAS just minutes before. KOGA left the door open concerning his participation in the upcoming 1997 World Championships by simply stating "I'm going to think about that later."

If indeed KOGA does retire, he'll do so as a beloved competitor, always the gentleman having earned the respect of judokas around the globe for countless exhibitions of his masterful style and grace in this ancient sport.

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Bill Painter.


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The volunteer staff of the 1996 Olympic Games totaled 50,152. They worked an estimated 850,000 shifts.