Home»AIRLINE NEWS» ANA Supports Yuto Horigome’s Olympic Ambitions with Powerful Sponsorship Backing His Journey of Perseverance, Passion, and Global Youth Inspiration
Friday, June 20, 2025
All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s leading airline and a global symbol of connection, has announced a powerful sponsorship of Olympic gold medalist Yuto Horigome, reinforcing its commitment to supporting perseverance, passion, and cultural exchange. As Horigome sets his sights on the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, ANA’s backing not only ensures his continued international journey but also amplifies his role as a global inspiration for young dreamers. This partnership reflects ANA’s vision to empower rising talent and promote unity through sport, aligning perfectly with Horigome’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his influence on youth worldwide.
In a bold step that embodies its commitment to global connection and unity, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s leading airline and a 5-Star rated carrier for twelve years running, has unveiled a strategic sponsorship deal with Olympic gold medalist Yuto Horigome. This collaboration aims to bolster Horigome’s journey as he targets the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, further strengthening ANA’s commitment to global talent and cultural exchange.
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A Journey Rooted in Passion and Dedication
Yuto Horigome’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and remarkable growth. His journey began at a young age when he first picked up a skateboard in junior high school. Driven by an unwavering passion to excel in skateboarding, Horigome relocated to the United States following his high school graduation. It was in the U.S. that he truly refined his skills, competing in prestigious skateboarding events around the world and gaining recognition on the international stage.
Horigome’s moment of history came during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, which were delayed to 2021 due to the pandemic. The Games marked the debut of skateboarding as an official Olympic sport, and Horigome made his mark as the sport’s first-ever gold medalist. His win marked more than just an individual achievement—it represented a pivotal moment in elevating the sport’s recognition on the international stage. He followed up this historic achievement with another gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning the men’s street skateboarding event once again.
Now, based in California, Horigome continues to push the boundaries of skateboarding, taking on new challenges and further solidifying his position as one of the world’s leading figures in the sport. His ongoing journey embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence, values that are deeply aligned with ANA’s mission to connect people and cultures across the globe.
ANA’s Commitment to Supporting Global Talent
ANA’s sponsorship of Yuto Horigome goes beyond the typical corporate partnership. As a major airline that serves as a global connector, ANA is proud to be part of Horigome’s journey, providing him with the means to travel internationally and pursue his dreams. The airline’s role in his success goes hand-in-hand with its belief in fostering growth, opportunity, and inspiration for talent from all corners of the world.
At the heart of ANA’s corporate philosophy lies the Wayblank principle, which encourages individuals to take on any challenge with unwavering determination. Horigome’s journey and dedication to skateboarding perfectly embody this fundamental principle. His ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his relentless dedication to improving and pushing boundaries, aligns perfectly with ANA’s vision to inspire people globally to reach their full potential.
This partnership serves as a testament to ANA’s ongoing commitment to supporting not only the aviation industry but also the broader cultural and sports communities. By aiding Horigome’s international travel, ANA is ensuring that he can continue competing on the world stage, thereby inspiring future generations of Japanese athletes and beyond. The sponsorship also highlights the airline’s efforts to break down cultural and geographical barriers, offering support to those striving for excellence in various fields.
Inspiring a New Generation of Dreamers
Horigome’s story is more than just that of a world-class skateboarder. His rise to the top is a powerful example of the importance of dedication, hard work, and the courage to dream big. From his early days of skateboarding in Japan to becoming a symbol of excellence on the global stage, Horigome’s journey has inspired many, particularly the youth. His success demonstrates the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to follow their passions and challenge themselves to overcome obstacles.
In sponsoring Horigome, ANA is not only backing an athlete but also supporting a larger movement of inspiration and progress. The airline understands that sports have the power to influence culture, unite people, and promote mutual understanding. Through this partnership, ANA hopes to encourage more individuals to pursue their dreams—whether in sports, the arts, or any other field—by providing the resources and opportunities necessary to reach their full potential.
Strengthening Cultural Connections Through Sport
As ANA continues to strengthen its presence on the global stage, it remains committed to being a bridge that connects people from diverse backgrounds. The airline believes that by supporting athletes like Horigome, it can help to foster a deeper sense of global community. Horigome’s success is not just a victory for him, but for all those who are inspired by his dedication and achievements. By working with such a talented individual, ANA underscores its belief in the transformative power of sports to unite individuals across borders and cultures.
With the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, Horigome’s journey is poised to reach even greater heights. ANA’s unwavering support will be integral to his continued success, providing the logistical and emotional backing needed as he aims for his third consecutive Olympic gold medal. As ANA helps to propel him forward, the airline also reinforces its commitment to supporting bold and ambitious endeavors, whether in the sky or on the ground.
All Nippon Airways has partnered with Olympic champion Yuto Horigome to support his 2028 Olympic journey, backing his dedication, passion, and global impact on youth.
Conclusion: A Future of Endless Possibilities
Yuto Horigome’s partnership with ANA is not just about the present; it’s about paving the way for future generations. Through his hard work and determination, he has already achieved more than most can dream of, but his story is far from over. With ANA’s sponsorship and ongoing support, Horigome will have the tools to continue reaching new heights in his sport. As he sets his sights on the 2028 Summer Games, ANA is proud to be part of his journey, helping to connect him with the world and empowering him to inspire others.
In the end, this partnership serves as a reminder that the sky is the limit for those who dare to dream big. Whether in skateboarding or any other field, the world needs more individuals like Yuto Horigome, who push the boundaries of what is possible and show others that anything is achievable with dedication and perseverance. ANA is honored to be part of his incredible journey, as he continues to inspire the world to reach for greatness.
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast University women’s basketball legend Whitney Knight has been selected to the ASUN Hall of Fame’s 11th induction class, which also includes Lipscomb’s Madi Talbert Artz (women’s cross county/track & field), North Florida’s Dallas Moore (men’s basketball) and North Alabama’s Ivy Wallen Murks (women’s basketball).
The Hall of Fame’s 11th annual induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Jacksonville. Knight, who played for FGCU from 2011-16, becomes the eighth Eagle to earn the ASUN’s highest honor, joining softball’s Courtney Platt, Cheyenne Jenks, and Carmen Paez, baseball’s Chris Sale, Casey Coleman, and Richard Bleier, and volleyball’s Brooke Youngquist Sweat.
Knight’s induction further cements her status as one of the most decorated players in FGCU and ASUN history. A program-defining guard and the first Eagle ever selected in the WNBA Draft, Knight’s impact on the conference and the Green & Blue remains unmatched nearly a decade after her graduation.
Knight was named to the ASUN All-Decade Team following a dominant career in Fort Myers. She became the program’s first WNBA draft pick when the Los Angeles Sparks selected her 15th overall in 2016, just the seventh ASUN player all-time to be drafted. As a senior, she earned Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America recognition while also being selected as one of 30 national candidates for the NCAA Senior CLASS Award, highlighting excellence both on and off the court.
A two-time ASUN Player of the Year (2015, 2016), Knight stands as one of only two Eagles ever to earn three First Team All-ASUN selections, joining FGCU great Sarah Hansen. Her postseason résumé is equally impressive, being named 2015 ASUN Tournament MVP, 2016 All-Tournament Team, 2012 ASUN All-Freshman Team, in addition to a program-record seven ASUN Player of the Week honors.
On the court, Knight was a matchup nightmare whose versatility defined FGCU’s continual rise into a perennial mid-major power. She led the ASUN in blocks (99), steals (64), and three-pointers per game (2.8) as a senior, while also finishing top six in the league in rebounds and double-doubles. She produced eight double-doubles, five 20-point games, and scored a three-pointer in every game she played that season. Her nine-block performance remains one of the most dominant defensive outings in conference history.
Knight finished her career with 1,574 points, 735 rebounds, 333 blocks, 245 assists, and 206 steals, one of the most complete statistical profiles ever recorded by an Eagle. She remains the program’s all-time leader in blocks by a staggering margin while ranking second in career points, field goals made, field goals attempted, three-pointers made, and rebounds.
A four-year force whose two-way production and big-moment performances helped shape the foundation of FGCU’s women’s basketball identity, Knight’s legacy only continues to grow with her selection to the ASUN Hall of Fame.
More information about the ASUN Hall of Fame and the Class of 2026 will be released by the conference in the coming months.
To stay up-to-date on the Eagles, be sure to follow on Instagram and X at FGCU_WBB.
GRANT CITY, Mo. — Worth County senior Andrew Griffin made his college plans official on Tuesday morning in Grant City as the Tiger track star made his signing with the Southwestern Community College track and field program official.
“I’ve always wanted to be an electrician and they have a really good electrical program,” Griffin said. “I also wanted to continue my track career. Southwestern is just a nice small college. I didn’t want to go to a big college where there are lots of people. It makes me feel at home with the small town and small college.”
Griffin says its been a goal throughout high school to jump in college.
“Since freshman year honestly,” Griffin said. “That is when I actually started to get good at high jump and actually how to jump.”
Griffin had visited the campus in Creston, Iowa, previously, but recently made another trip to check out the track and field program as well as the electrician program. He was impressed with both.
“I went just a couple weeks ago with my parents,” Griffin said. “… We toured the campus and talked to the electrical teacher.”
And Griffin’s high-jump numbers impressed Spartans’ coach Scott Vicker who added one of Griffin’s rivals last season with North Nodaway graduate Owen Martin. Griffin is excited to compete on the same team as Martin.
“It is going to be really nice to be able to jump with Owen instead of against him,” Griffin said. “We will be on the same team now, and it is definitely nice having people up there that you know.”
The Spartan roster also includes former Tiger Kara Staton and Stanberry graduate Marli Hilton.
Last season, Griffin finished 10th in Class 1 in the high jump in addition to participating in the 200-meter dash and on the Tiger relay teams. Griffin’s career-best in the high jump is 1.85 meters — a mark that he reached in over half of the team’s meets.
Now Griffin prepares for his senior year with the Tigers, who return state qualifiers Lucas Frisch and Griffin as seniors. The Tigers open the season with the Worth County Early Bird on March 26.
“I’m really excited for it,” Griffin said of his final season as a Tiger. “I feel like I can do really well this year. It was good last year, but I’ve still got a lot of room to improve.”
App States track and field started their 2025-26 indoor season at the Winston-Salem College Kick-Off Saturday.
With the race starting for at the 60 meters, junior Kendall Johnson placed second with a 7.50 finish, just 1 second behind Converse University. Junior Nicole Wells finished 10th in the 60 meters with a time of 7.73. The 800 meter was led by senior Addison Ollendick-Smith who started her season with a fourth place finish with a time of 2:18.09.
The main event for the Mountaineers was the 4×400 meter relay, where they finished first with teammates Wells, senior Damyja Alejandro-Ortiz, senior Daye Talley and junior Jayla Adams, and had a record time of 3:45.76.
In the pole vault, senior Ava Studney finished first clearing 3.95m and sophomore Abigail Goetz followed and finished fifth in the pole vault with a 3.50m. Freshman Alana Braxton won the long jump with 5.87m and freshman Kelly MacBride finished in the top 10 with 5.31m. The triple jump saw 3 of the women’s teammates finish in the top 6, with Braxton finishing first with 12.32m. freshman Ashlynn Wimberly finished second with 12.14m, and sophomore Jahaila Wright finished with 11.60m.
In weight throwing, junior Dianna Boykin had a personal best of 14.70m to place eighth and sophomore Emily Edwards followed close behind with a top 10 finish in shotput, 12.17m and weight throw, 14.03m. In the 200 meter, both Adams and Talley finished top five with times of 24.39 and 24.77.
For the Mountaineers next meet they will be in the UNC-Asheville Collegiate Opener on Jan. 10 at the Tryon International.
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta junior outside hitter Layne Witherspoon has been named an AVCA All-Region Honorable Mention selection following a standout 2025 campaign in which the Jaguars finished 25–9 and captured the Peach Belt Conference regular-season title.
Witherspoon delivered 346 kills on .295 hitting across 126 sets while adding 168 digs, 84 total blocks, and 433 total points. She tallied 17 double-digit kill performances, highlighted by a season-high 17 kills against Montevallo on Sept. 19 and a 21-point outing versus Francis Marion on Sept. 13. On the defensive side, she posted a season-best 14 digs at Flagler on Oct. 4 and recorded seven total blocks against Georgia College on Oct. 17. She was second on the team with 3.44 points per set.
A consistent presence in Augusta’s front row, Witherspoon helped power the Jaguars to their PBC regular-season championship and another postseason appearance.
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LEXINGTON, Ky. — Gophers senior outside hitter Julia Hanson was named AVCA Northwest Region Player of the Year while Keegan Cook was named Coach of the Year, the organization announced today.
There are 14 first-team All-Region members and an additional group of honorable mention selections for each of the 10 regions. A Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and Coach of the Year were selected for every region.
The 213 student-athletes who made All-Region represent 109 different schools. Nebraska leads the way with seven All-Region selections, followed by Pittsburgh and Stanford with six apiece. Florida, Kentucky, Louisville, Minnesota, Texas A&M, and Wisconsin all have five All-Region first-team or honorable mention selections.
Joining Hanson on the AVCA All-Northwest Region First Team were freshman opposite Carly Gilk and redshirt freshman setter Stella Swenson. Redshirt senior middle blocker Lourdes Myers and freshman middle blocker Jordan Taylor were named all-region honorable mention.
A Savage, Minn., native, Julia Hanson earns another major award after a magnificent senior season. She was also named a unanimous First Team All-Big Ten selection in 2025. During her fourth year in the Maroon and Gold, Hanson won Big Ten Player of the Week on Sept. 1 and was named MVP of the Golden Gopher Invitational on Aug. 31.
For the year, she totaled 26 10+ kill matches in 32 chances, posting a career-high 4.13 kills per set, a mark that ranked her fourth in the Big Ten. Hanson also hit a career-best .309, a mark that ranked her third among Big Ten pins.
She tallied five 20+ kill matches and averaged a career-best 0.30 service aces on the year. Her 26 aces in conference play put her at No. 8 in the conference. Defensively, Hanson posted 0.64 blocks and 1.60 digs per set. She was named as one of 30 players to the AVCA Preseason Player of the Year Watch List and was a Preseason All-Big Ten honoree. Hanson helped Minnesota reach its first Sweet 16 since 2022 after going for 36 kills last weekend in two matches (.500 hitting).
Coach Cook was named AVCA Region Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his career and first at Minnesota. Cook led the Gophers to a 24-9 (12-8 Big Ten) record and a Sweet 16 appearance for the first time in his three years at the ‘U’. He and his coaching staff did this despite losing four starters to season-ending injuries in the first four weeks of the season. The Gophers played five freshmen starters for a majority of the season, including three-fourths of Big Ten competition. Minnesota also won four ranked matches this year, taking down No. 23 Indiana, No. 24 Penn State, No. 11 Purdue and No. 23 Iowa State.
Carly Gilk earned an all-region nod to go along with her Freshman All-Big Ten accolades. The rookie opposite posted 2.28 kills per set on a scorching .293 hitting in 2025. She also posted 1.70 digs, 0.60 blocks and 0.27 aces per set in 28 matches played. She had seven 10+ kill matches and seven 10+ dig matches on the year. Gilk had the best match of her freshman year on Oct. 26 at Purdue, tallying 15 kills (.364) and 10 digs in a five set match.
Redshirt freshman setter Stella Swenson added an all-region honor after being named All-Big Ten Second Team and to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. She averaged 9.78 assists, 2.16 digs, 0.61 blocks, 0.59 kills and 0.28 aces per set in her first year as a starter, playing in all 33 matches.
Swenson posted eight double-doubles, including a career-best 58-assist, 10-dig outing in a five-set win at Iowa. She ranked eighth in the Big Ten in assists per set and was fifth amongst setters with 0.59 kills per set. She was the first Minnesota freshman to post 1,000 assists in her rookie season since her sister, Samantha Seliger-Swenson, did so in 2015. Stella was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Sept. 1 after being named to the Golden Gopher Invitational All-Tournament Team. She was added to the AVCA Mid-Season Player of the Year Watch List as the only freshman on there,
Redshirt senior middle blocker Lourdes Myers had the best season of her career in 2025 in the Maroon and Gold. She was named AVCA All-Northwest Region Honorable Mention after going for 1.70 kills and 1.19 blocks per set, playing in all 33 matches. Myers had two 10+ kill matches in 2025, including a 12-kill, nine-block match at Washington. She had seven-or-more kills 13 times and five-or-more blocks 12 times. Myers ranked ninth in the Big Ten in blocks per set.
Freshman middle Jordan Taylor also earned AVCA All-Northwest Region Honorable Mention. She had a banner freshman season, averaging a team-best 1.24 blocks per set, playing in 30 matches. Taylor averaged 1.35 kills per set on .355 hitting, going for five-or-more kills 12 times. She had five+ blocks nine times, including a career-high 11 block match at Iowa on Nov. 16.
The Gophers (24-9, 12-8 B1G) compete in the Sweet 16 against No. 1 seeded Pittsburgh (28-4, 18-2 ACC) at 6 p.m. CT on Thursday. The match will be on ESPN2.
MADISON, Wis. – Five total players of the Wisconsin volleyball team were named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) North All-Region Team. Outside hitter Mimi Colyer was named North Player of the Year, while head coach Kelly Sheffield was named Coach of the Year.
The Badger list of North All-Region First Team honorees consists of Carter Booth, Mimi Colyer, Grace Egan, Kristen Simon and Una Vajagic. Head Coach Kelly Sheffield also earned his sixth Coach of the Year honor.
Freshman Kristen Simon was one-of-three freshman named First Team. In the regular season, Simon played in 89-of-92 sets as the starting libero for Wisconsin. The Kentucky native led the team with 3.49 digs per set, chipped in with 14 service aces and averaged 1.10 assists per set. She reached double-figure digs 19 matches, including a season-best in her very first collegiate match against Kansas with 23. The 5-foot-8 libero also earned Big Ten All-Freshman this season.
For the first time in her career, right side hitter Grace Egan earned All-Region honors. Traditionally, an outside hitter, Egan moved over to the right side and averaged 2.43 kills per set, 2.19 digs per set, 3.09 points per set and chipped in with 25 service aces this season for the Badgers. She totaled three double-doubles (kills, digs) against Texas, Florida and Northwestern.
Outside hitter Una Vajagic steadily became one of the Badgers most dynamic players in the starting rotation. The Serbian native totaled 2.71 kills per set, 2.56 digs per set, and 3.07 points per set in her first full season with the Badgers. Vajagic also collected eight double-doubles (kills, digs) in the regular season, including a back-to-back double-doubles in her first two collegiate matches against Kansas and Texas. The 6-foot outside hitter also chipped in with 18 service aces for UW.
Senior Carter Booth claims her fourth All-Region honor and third with the Badgers. In all four years, she has been a First Team honoree, including Freshman of the Year when she was with Minnesota. In the regular season, Booth led the Badgers and ranked 5th in the NCAA with a .436 hitting percentage. She added 2.02 kills per set, 1.24 blocks per set and 2.70 points per set. Booth totaled eight matches where she didn’t have a hitting error, including a season best 11 kills on 15 swings with no errors. Defensively, Booth achieved a season best 10.0 blocks at Michigan St. on Nov. 15.
Also joining Booth as a four-time AVCA All-Region recipient is outside hitter Mimi Colyer. She also repeats as All-Region Player of the Year. As a freshman Colyer was named the Pacific North Region Freshman of the Year at Oregon, and in 2024, she was named the Northwest Region Player of the Year. In just one season with the Badgers, Colyer has already broken and is on pace to break several more single-season offensive program records. The California native reached double-figure kills in every match but one this season, including nine matches with 20 or more kills. Colyer averaged 5.32 kills per set, 5.93 points per set, 2.20 digs per set, and added 0.69 blocks per set. She also hit .334 in the regular season. Colyer totaled seven double-doubles including a season-best 25 kill, 18 dig performance at Washington on Oct. 24.
Head coach Kelly Sheffield earned his sixth All-Region Coach of the Year honor after leading the Badgers to a 24-4 regular season record, and a 17-3 Big Ten record for second place. Sheffield replaced nearly his entire starting rotation, including four All-Americans from a season ago.
Wisconsin is 1-of-55 teams assigned to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) North Region, joining just Michigan State as a Big Ten school representing the North Region.
