What’s your function in the Championships?
I put out statistical information for the media.
You are one of the world’s top statisticians. When did you start with this job?
I’ve been doing this for 10 years.
Why did you start?
Statistics means a lot in this sport. With them we can tell what can happen and what is probably going to happen. You can know whether the race is close or not…
Do you have statistics of all the official championships?
This is the first time that I do the statistics for the European Championship media. Two months ago I was in the World Indoor Championship, last year in Berlin. I’ve also been London, Chicago, NY, Boston… In total I’ve been in 7 European Championships and 11 World Championships.
As you’ve told us, you have been in many championships. What was your favorite one?
It’s hard to say which particular game was the best. You remember moments. For instance, in Munich 2002 Paula Radcliffe made the European Record in the 10.000m and it was pouring with rain so hard! In Sevilla 1999 Abel Antón entered in the stadium and the crowd made the noisiest ovation I’ve ever heard.
What memory will you keep from B10?
I’m enjoying the Campionships. It has a pretty good organization. There is nothing much to complain about it. However, there is no roof (smiles). It’s so hot and I get sunburned. The other day, when the rain was splashing down I had no place to take shelter. Another thing to improve would be giving to all journalists an accreditation to use for free all the public transport. In other championships you could go wherever you want with your accreditation. Here we can only take one bus. Moreover some statistics of the 100m (the final start list) were missing when the semifinals were over. In the other hand the media center is so close to the press tribune. It’s one of the best things of this European Championships.
What about the public?
There are not enough people. Nevertheless this is a big stadium and yesterday there were about 35.000 people
Your name is Japanese but the flag in your accreditation is the American. Ken, can you tell us your story?
I was born in Japan, moved to USA to go to university. I’ve been living there since then.
Have you ever practiced athletics?
I did when I was young. I was not very good (lots of laughs). I started when I was in the USA and I used to run the 10.000m. I’ve never ran in a high level.
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