Fusashige Suzuki

Fusashige Suzuki represented Nihon University in the Hakone Ekiden relay for six consecutive years beginning in 1935, winning his section from 1936-38. At the 1935 Meiji Jingu Games (also Japan Athletics Championships) he placed third behind Son Gi-Jeong and Tamao Shiwaku, which earned him a place in the team for the 1936 Berlin Olympics. With four marathon runners on the team, a final qualifier over 30 km was scheduled for Berlin. A few days after the team arrived in Berlin, Suzuki developed a high fever and was hospitalized for about 10 days, which caused him to lose physical condition. He did not complete the race and was entered in the 10,000 metres instead but his actual rank and time were not recorded.

Suzuki died in the Pacific War at the age of 31 on the Philippine island of Luzon.

Personal Best: 10000 – 33:10.0 (1939).