The First Japanese Olympian
Shizo Kanakuri was selected to represent Japan in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, becoming one of the first Japanese athletes to participate in the Games. Kanakuri, known for his marathon running, was enthusiastic about the event, despite the long and arduous journey from Japan to Sweden.
A Disastrous Marathon Attempt
During the marathon, the sweltering heat of Stockholm took a toll on Kanakuri. Struggling with dehydration and exhaustion, he collapsed mid-race and was taken in by a local family to recover. Instead of returning to the race, Kanakuri quietly left Sweden and went back to Japan, embarrassed by his failure to finish.
A Lost Olympian
For decades, Kanakuri’s disappearance puzzled Swedish officials, who listed him as a missing person. In fact, he had returned home without notifying the Olympic committee, and life went on as he continued to compete in Japan.
A Historic Finish
In 1967, at the age of 76, Kanakuri was invited back to Sweden to complete the marathon. He crossed the finish line after 54 years, 8 months, 6 days, 5 hours, 32 minutes, and 20.3 seconds, setting a unique record in Olympic history.
The Marathon That Took 54 Years to Finish 🏃
The First Japanese Olympian
Shizo Kanakuri was selected to represent Japan in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, becoming one of the first Japanese athletes to participate in the Games. Kanakuri, known for his marathon running, was… pic.twitter.com/l5xn2w6zjV— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) October 3, 2024