By Hideki Mochizuki, Swimming World Japanese correspondent
TOKYO, Japan, August 12. YOSHIHIRO Hamaguchi, the Japanese national team director for the 1980 Moscow Games and 1984 Los Angeles Games, passed away on August 10 from heart failure at the age of 85.
Hamaguchi was born on June 13, 1926. Graduating from Nihon University, he became an actor and participated in production of the Japanese movie named "Japanese Tarzan," following in the footsteps of America's Johnny Weismuller. Later on, he acted in more than 100 films.
At 183cm and 78kg, Hamaguchi was extraordinarily well-built as a Japanese swimmer in those days. He grabbed silver medal in 800m relay at 1952 Helsinki Games. His personal record was 57.8 in 100m freestyle and 2:08.1 in 200m freestyle.
He also carried out as a leader in the Japanese swimming from late 70s to early 80s being as the national team director from 1976 to 1984.
It is notable that Hamaguchi pushed "internationalization" of the Japanese Federation and expanded international communication strongly with such as Moscow coach member, Shinji Higashijima.