This archive image captures gymnast Shoko Miyata (R) visibly emotional after participating in the floor exercise at the National Sports Festival in Saga, located in southwestern Japan, on September 7, 2024. (Kyodo) TOKYO (Kyodo) — The Japan Gymnastics Association has opted not to impose any penalties on Shoko Miyata, a member of the national team […]
TOKYO (Kyodo) — The Japan Gymnastics Association has opted not to impose any penalties on Shoko Miyata, a member of the national team who withdrew from the Paris Olympics upon acknowledging her involvement in underage drinking and smoking at the age of 19.
The association announced on Saturday that Miyata, now 20 years old, already faced consequences by stepping back from the Olympics and expresses significant remorse for her actions, ultimately leading to a stern admonition from the body’s chairman, Tadashi Fujita.
Miyata returned to Japan in mid-July prior to the Olympics from the national team’s training facility in Monaco after accusations emerged concerning her smoking.
Miyata subsequently confessed to drinking once and smoking once.
“We are convinced that allowing her an opportunity (for a comeback) and to pursue her aspirations will help avoid future incidents,” Fujita stated during an online press briefing.
In Japan, smoking and drinking are restricted for individuals under the age of 20.
Following captain Miyata’s exit, the Japanese women’s artistic gymnastics squad had to compete with only four members in Paris, while their competitors fielded five athletes.
