【パリ五輪】銅メダルの福島選手が母校に　涙で後輩に伝えたこと　フェンシング教室には「1か月で1年分の問い合わせが」　福岡

Shihomi Fukushima (29), a native of Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture, who won the bronze medal in the women's sabre team event at the Paris Olympics, reported her victory at her alma mater on the 22nd. The success of local athletes has fueled a fencing fever in Fukuoka Prefecture. Read the article about this video https://news.ntv.co.jp/n/fbs/category... Just after 3:00 PM on the 22nd, Shihomi Fukushima, a bronze medalist in the women's sabre team event at the Paris Olympics, appeared with a shy smile and a thunderous applause. She made a triumphant return to her alma mater, Fukuoka Kaisei High School in Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture. The Japanese fencing team made great strides at the Paris Olympics, winning five medals, including two gold medals. As the oldest member of the women's sabre team, Fukushima contributed to Japan's first-ever bronze medal in this event, both for men and women. During her speech at her alma mater, she was sometimes choked up as she reflected on her journey so far. ■Fukushima Shihomi (29), Bronze Medal Winner in the Women's Sabre Team Fencing "During the three years between the Tokyo Olympics and the Paris Olympics, I didn't just enjoy fencing or feel the desire to win... Rather than wanting to quit, there were times when I thought, 'I can't do it,' but I continued doing what I could at the time. I believe there is meaning in continuing, and I encourage anyone with dreams and goals to have the courage to keep trying and not give up." She conveyed the importance of continuing to challenge herself to her juniors. With the success of Japanese athletes, fencing fever is on the rise in Fukuoka. We visited the Hakata Gymnasium in Fukuoka City. ■ Announcer Yoshimura Shiori "A fencing class is held once a week at a sports facility in Fukuoka City, and when I take a peek inside, I can hear the lively sound of swords being swung." This fencing class is currently attended by 13 students, ranging from a fourth-grader to someone in their 60s. ■ Fourth-grader (3 years of fencing experience) "(After watching the Olympics) I thought it was cool. It was amazing, and it made me want to work harder." ■ Third-year high school student (2 years of fencing experience) "If they win a medal, I'll be happy that the fencing population will increase." Since the Olympics, the class has seen an increase in inquiries about trial classes and observations, and one third-grader has already enrolled. ■ Chairman Kanemaru Fumiyuki, Fukuoka Prefecture Fencing Association "We've received five or six inquiries in the past month or so. That's about the same number of inquiries we normally receive in a year, and it's incredibly exciting." On this day, families were also visiting to observe. The trigger, of course, was the success of Japan's fencing athletes at the Olympics. ■Father "My kids watched the Olympics and said it was cool, so I wanted my kids to try it too." ■7-year-old brother "It was difficult. (The coolest part was) using this." ■5-year-old brother "It was fun." Will a future gold medalist be born here? The school hopes that the "Olympic effect" will help broaden the base of fencing. For the latest news, please visit https://news.ntv.co.jp/n/fbs. X FBS Fukuoka Broadcasting News (@FBS_NEWS5) is also reporting.   / fbs_news5