Shin Ohashi: Junk food-loving teen and Japan’s subsequent massive swimming hope

The 17-year-old, who stands simply 169cm (5ft 6ins), has posted the 2 quickest 200m breaststroke instances on the earth this yr and is aiming for the world file at this week’s Asian Games.

Earlier this yr he got here inside virtually a second of the mark of 2min 05.48sec held by China’s Qin Haiyang.

Ohashi has already gained gold on the Asian Games in Tokyo within the 100m breaststroke after a useless warmth with China’s Dong Zhihao, beating Qin into third place.

Not dangerous going for a youngster who admits he likes nothing higher than a packet of crisps and a can of fizzy juice.

“I sometimes eat too much of that stuff before lunch and end up not properly eating lunch,” Ohashi was quoted as saying by the Olympic Channel.

“I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t stop. I know it’s not good for you, but hey, once it’s in your stomach it’s all the same.”

Japan have loved big success in swimming however their pool of expertise has proven indicators of drying up in recent times.

After profitable 11 swimming medals on the 2012 Olympics and 7 in 2016, they gained three on the house Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and only one on the Paris Games two years in the past.

New ‘Frog King’

Ohashi has emerged on the proper time and has been tipped to observe within the footsteps of Japanese breaststroke nice Kosuke Kitajima.

The “Frog King” gained the 100m-200m double on the 2004 Athens Olympics and repeated the feat 4 years later in Beijing.

Speaking on the Asian Games this week, Kitajima stated Ohashi may grow to be “a swimmer who strikes fear” into his rivals.

“He has a lot of potential and I think he can do really well on the international stage,” stated Kitajima.

“I think he definitely has the potential.”

Kitajima identified that Ohashi is way smaller than lots of his “gigantic” breaststroke rivals.

Qin, a a number of world champion, stands 192cm.

“He’s compact and has speed, endurance and a real appeal,” stated Kitajima of his compatriot.

Ohashi believes he can break the 200m breaststroke world file when he goes head-to-head with Qin in Thursday’s race.

He stated he suffered a chilly within the run-up to the 100m breaststroke and was “frustrated” to not win the race outright.

“I got a little bit tired at the end of the 100m so that’s a bit of a worry, but I’ve been practising for the 200m really well,” he stated.

“I want to at least achieve a new personal best.”

Ohashi’s household made him begin swimming as a three-year-old as a result of they needed to ensure he would not drown in his grandmother’s pond.

He has come a great distance in a brief house of time and will discover himself being the face of Japan’s swimming staff for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Kitajima believes he has the temperament to deal with it.

“If we wants my advice I’ll give it to him,” he stated.

“He has a great team around him and I hope they will keep supporting him.”

© 2026 AFP