Ito, 61, races to become Japan’s oldest paralympic medalist defying age and disability; Erases bitter memories of Tokyo Games

Tomoya Ito races in the T52 category of the men’s 400-meter wheelchair race on Friday. - Photo: The Yomiuri Shimbun

PARIS: Tomoya Ito, who became Japan’s oldest Paralympic medalist at the age of 61 after winning a bronze medal in the T52 category of the men’s 400-meter wheelchair race, reflected on the days leading up to this moment, especially the bitter memories of the previous Tokyo Games when his classification was changed right before the event, leading to a crushing defeat.

“These past three years have not been in vain. I never gave up and that’s why I’m able to return like this,” he said.