Japanese sports communities are very adamant about their code of conduct. They have strict rules, and violating them can cause a major setback to the athlete’s career. One such episode was recently witnessed by the world when teenage gymnastic sensation and national gymnastics team captain Shoko Miyata was declared to be withdrawing from the Paris Olympics. This decision was made just ahead of the globally celebrated games, sending shockwaves through the international sports community.

The whole episode took place when someone suggested the Japanese association of the 19-year-old gymnast smoking cigarettes in a private setting. Miyata was also accused of drinking alcohol at the Japanese National Training Center. These incidents led to a thorough investigation of the gymnast, resulting in the confirmation of her violation of the Japanese code of conduct. The country, known for taking extra measures to keep its streets and citizens’ manners clean, has strict policies prohibiting smoking and drinking. The athletes, even those above the age of 20, must curb their urge for activities that include indulgence. After a heavy discussion over the occurrence, Kenji Nishimura, JGA secretary general, told the reporters, “With her confirmation and after discussions on all sides, it has been decided that she will withdraw from the Olympics.” The statement fueled further debate about the severity of the consequences that the gymnast will now face.

Shoko Miyata’s coach, Mutsumi Harada, came to her defense. He was seen claiming that the young star was facing a crunch. Opening up about her situation, he stated, “She was spending her days really burdened with so much pressure. I would implore people to understand that.” Although Miyata has not publicly commented about this episode, it looks like the fans have a lot to say! Let’s take a dig at the diverse reactions and opinions that have been circulating around the community regarding the incident.

Japanese community speaks up in reaction to Shoko Miyata’s withdrawal

The entire episode triggered the fans, who erupted explosively. It became a divisive battle of shoulds and shouldn’ts, where some were found supporting Miyata and demanding a different penalty, while others found the decision quite justified. One commented, “Wow, the Japanese aren’t kidding, it’s still hard like it’s a mistake, they know they’re not supposed to do this or that depending on the country, but still, it’s a forgivable mistake, no kidding, maybe a different penalty,” as the nation had been striving hard since 1964 to win their first artistic gymnastic medal. Another penned, “This seems completely disproportionate at the least, and is also concerning in the degree that a sporting body is trying to control an individual’s choices,” suggesting that maybe the committee behind this decision might have made a mountain of a molehill. However, the degree of agreement over the decision made by JGA was the same on either side.

“So she knew the rules but broke them anyway and what? Are we meant to feel sorry for her ?” questions one. This comment echoes the sentiment shared by the JGA secretary general in his interview regarding the withdrawal. Someone went as far as to state, “Typical. Young and reckless, that’s all I can say. You’d think someone with her talent would have more sense than to risk it all for a quick nicotine fix. Now she’s gotta deal with the fallout. Maybe she’ll learn from this mistake, but I doubt it,” referring to her actions as having been made with momentary insolence.

Comments like “Shoko Miyata, Japan can kiss the team finals goodbye without her. What an absurdity, the girl who qualified helped the Japanese team for the Olympics, anyway.” shows how furious the fans are over the decision to withdraw Miyata from the Olympics due to the perceived unfairness of the situation and the potential negative impact on the Japanese team’s performance. The pressure on the gymnast is evident, as her current situation likely differs from the previous one. Her take was not called for by the JPA, leading to the decision made. What are your thoughts on it? Let us know in the comments below!