Tamao Shiwaku

Tamao Shiwaku’s interest in long-distance running was sparked by Tomeichi Ohura, a 1920 Olympian, and by Kanematsu Yamada, who placed fourth at the Amsterdam Olympics, both also from Kagawa Prefecture. At the Meiji Jingu Games Shiwaku won the 10,000 metres in 1929, and the marathon in 1931 (which also served as the Japan Athletics Championships). At the trials for the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, he had to abandon the marathon about halfway. At the 1935 Meiji Jingu Games (again serving as the Japan Athletics Championships) he placed second behind Son Gi-Jeong, which earned him a place on the team for the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

With four marathon runners on the team, a final qualifier over 30 km was scheduled for Berlin. Because Fusashige Suzuki abandoned the race Shiwaku was selected although it was revealed that he had taken a shortcut. While in Berlin, he was hindered by blisters which eventually forced him to abandon the race.

Nevertheless, Shiwaku continued to train for the 1940 Olympics but finished his career when war broke out and he was called to service in Manchuria. In his old age, he still lived in his hometown of Sakaide until his death.

Personal Best: Mar – 2-26:53 (1936).