Ito, 61, bids to become oldest Japanese Paralympic medalist, defies age and disability; erases bitter memories of Tokyo Games

PARIS — Tomoya Ito, who at 61 became Japan’s oldest Paralympic medalist 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, particularly the bitter memories of the previous Games in Tokyo when his classification was changed just before the event, leading to a crushing defeat. “The past three years have not been in vain. I never gave up and that’s why I can come back in this way,” he said.

Of the 175 athletes representing Japan in the event, Ito is the oldest. He struggles with progressive symptoms of multiple sclerosis, which affects not only his lower body but also his upper body. Of course, the decline in physical strength due to aging is another challenge.

In addition to his strong will, he is supported by the presence of his teammates from RDS, an industrial design company in Saitama Prefecture, where he serves as a test driver. Together, they develop wheelchair racing equipment. With RDS’s expertise in motorsports, Ito raced in the latest advanced wheelchair racer.