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On August 27, 2021, Prime Minister made a congratulatory telephone call to swimmer SUZUKI Takayuki, who won the gold medal in the men’s 100m freestyle category at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

In his congratulatory telephone call, the Prime Minister said,
 
 “Congratulations on winning Japan’s first gold medal, following you won the bronze in the 50m (breaststroke) category. You got the gold in a come-from-behind win. I was deeply moved by you pumping your fist in the air when you finished the race.”
 
 “You have participated in five Games in a row and led Japan’s para-swimming for a long time. The current Games were postponed by one year due to the novel coronavirus disease. I believe that you had a hard time. I have heard that you want to swim in a way that would encourage children with disabilities to begin parasports. I am sure that a lot of children were moved to see you winning the gold medal.”
 
 “I have also learned that you made tremendous efforts in the campaign to host the Tokyo Games. The remarkable performance of you all in the time to come will make the Games wonderful ones. Thank you very much for responding to the call when you must be tired after races day after day.”
 
 “I have heard that you will compete in races again from tomorrow. I wish you the very best of luck and look forward to good results.”