They called her ¡°Sensei.¡±
It¡¯s a word that means both teacher and master in Japanese sports ¡ª and for Yukari Murata, the title fits.
A two-time Olympian and now the woman leading Japan¡¯s national rhythmic gymnastics team, the 44-year-old was known for a coaching style that inspired both fear and admiration ¡ª singling out gymnasts by name, publicly berating them and driving them through grueling hourslong sessions that tested both mind and body.
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