TOKYO, Japan, April 10. EIGHT top swimmers at this week’s Japanese nationals will be racing officially under the Mizuno banner after signing multi-year deals with the Japanese swimsuit manufacturer.
Judging by his strong performance on day one of nationals in the 400 IM, Kosuke Hagino appears to be thriving under the new deal. Hagino was the bronze medalist in the 400 IM at the 2012 Olympics and a multiple medalist at last summer’s world championships.
Another big get for Mizuno is Akihiro Yamaguchi, the world record holder in the men’s 200 breaststroke. Though Yamaguchi has struggled to find his form since swimming a 2:07.01 in September 2012, he is still one of Japan’s top breaststrokers.
The rest of the list is filled with Olympians and rising stars that are likely to land on the 2020 Olympic roster for the home nation:
Shinri Shioura (2013 worlds: 400 medley relay bronze)
Yuki Kobori (2012 Olympian)
Yasuhiro Koseki (Breaststroke Asian record holder)
Miki Uchida (2012 Olympian)
Miyu Otsuka (2012 Olympian)
Sayaka Ayase (Japanese national champion)