After their long flight back from Italy was delayed by two hours, several of Team Japan¡¯s Olympic medal-winners headed straight to a Tokyo hotel Tuesday for a news conference to mark the return of the nation¡¯s most successful Winter Olympians yet.
¡°We would like to express our sincere gratitude once again to the many members of the public who stayed up late to offer heartwarming encouragement and support throughout the tournament,¡± said chef de mission Hidehito Ito, hailing Japan¡¯s five gold, seven silver and 12 bronze medals. The total of 24 was six higher than the previous record set at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022.
¡°This was the most successful Team Japan in Winter Olympic history, both in total medals and overall results,¡± Ito said. ¡°Not only the medalists but many more athletes delivered outstanding performances, supported by exceptional coaching and staff. It was a great honor to compete alongside such wonderful athletes.¡±
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