BSP-16 Stunned Japan swimmers back stricken Olympic pin-up Ikee

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SWIM-JPN-IKEE

Stunned Japan swimmers back stricken Olympic pin-up Ikee

TOKYO, Feb 16, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Japanese swimmers have vowed to step up
their efforts in support of Rikako Ikee, the poster girl for the 2020 Tokyo
Olympics who has announced she is suffering from leukaemia.

Earlier this week, the 18-year-old swim queen tweeted that she had cut
short a training camp in Australia after feeling unwell and had been
diagnosed with the illness on her return to Japan.

The news sent shockwaves around the sport and well-wishes have flooded in
for Ikee, a genuine title contender at the 2020 Olympics in her home city.

“I was shocked,” two-time world champion Daiya Seto said at the Konami Open
in Tokyo on Saturday.

“With the Tokyo Olympics on the horizon, people will no doubt be urging her
to get well and compete.

“But obviously life is more important,” added the Rio Olympic bronze
medallist. “I just pray she gets better soon and we can see her cute smile
again — all we can really do is pray.”

Ippei Watanabe promised to break his own world record in the men’s 200m
breaststroke at the Japanese championships in April to help encourage Ikee in
her battle to recover.

“I’m confident of setting a new world record,” he said. “Hopefully that
will offer her a little encouragement at least.”

Ikee, who shot to fame by capturing a record six gold medals at last year’s
Asian Games, was a genuine contender to win the women’s 100m butterfly at the
Tokyo Olympics and tipped to push hard on several other fronts.

– Bombshell news –

But her bombshell announcement has left her fellow swimmers stunned.

“It looked as if she was really struggling,” said Suzuka Hasegawa, who was
also training on Australia’s Gold Coast when Ikee’s health problems began.

“We went shopping together in our free time and I couldn’t have imagined
she was sick. When she left (Australia), she just told me she had to leave
early. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the news. We will all have to put in
an extra shift while she’s away.”

Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom, Olympic champion in the women’s 100m fly and
expected to be Ikee’s rival for the gold medal next year, posted:

“My eyes are filled with tears when I read the news about my friend (Rikako
Ikee) being diagnosed with leukaemia. Sending all my strength and love to
you!”

Hollywood actor Ken Watanabe, who survived acute myeloid leukaemia in the
1990s, also tweeted a message of support for his countrywoman.

“You may be feeling desperate,” wrote the Last Samurai star.

“You might be wondering ‘Why me?’ I hope you will be positive and
concentrate on the treatment, trust in your life force.”

Doctors believe they detected Ikee’s leukaemia in its early stages.

The swimmer, who has been hospitalised in Tokyo, tweeted:

“If treated properly it’s a disease that can be beaten. I will devote
myself to my treatment and strive to be able to show an even stronger Rikako
Ikee.”

BSS/AFP/MSY/1821 hrs