Tetsuo Imai

Tetsuo Imai started his successful track & field career while attending Kashiwazaki High School. After he enrolled in Keio University he represented the university at the Hakone Ekiden relay from 1932-35. In the 3,000 m steeplechase he set Japanese records in 1932 and 1935, the latter earning him the title at the Japan Athletics Championships. His second title came in 1937 after participating in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. After graduating from Keio University, Imai first worked at the Mitsukoshi Department Store. He later moved to China, where he joined the Beijing Electric Company.

After World War II, Imai held various positions in the prefectural athletics scene as well as in the Japan Athletics Federation. He also stood for his hometown campaign of “Kashiwazaki, a Sports City”. In 1951 Imai joined the city’s Health Department responsible for sports promotion. He was later transferred to the General Affairs Division. In 1979 Imai was elected as mayor of Kashiwazaki city serving for two terms (eight years). During this time, he was instrumental in building new sports facilities, including the Satoike Baseball Stadium, and managed the straightening of the Ugawa River after the city was affected by a flood. He died just months after the end of his second term.

Personal Best: 3000S – 9:37.4 (1936).