After the Super Track & Field Meet, I have been training with the goal of competing at the Asian Games. However, because I again felt tenderness in the right calf which I originally injured in the Super T&F Meet in September, I was forced to withdraw from the Asian Games.

After coming back this season from the active rest phase of 2005, I gave my all in each of the eight competitions this season. Apparently I underestimated the cumulative fatigue set in during the season.

I would like to apologize that I could not tell you sooner about my absence from the Asian Games, but because of the heavy responsibility as a Japanese team member and my wish to fulfill my fans’ expectation at the Games, I kept a strong desire to compete at the Asian Games until recently.

I hope to recover from the injury as soon as possible, and then with all my power, I would like to prepare for the next season as well as the Olympic Games in 2008.

I am very sorry that I could not fulfill your expectation this time. I will do my best next year, so please continue to cheer for me.