Military manpower agency chief voices regret over Asian Games footballers' gloating about military exemption

TOKYO, Kyodo reports -- Keiichi Kimura, a five-time Paralympic swimmer, is determined to give his best performance at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, which begin on Sunday. Kimura aims to deliver an improved show, stating, "There is still more I can do."

The swimmer, who retains his title in the men's S11 100-meter butterfly for those with severely limited or no vision, showcased his skills at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where he won gold in both the 100-meter butterfly and the 50-meter freestyle. Kimura, aged 36, showcased his dedication to training by exhibiting small scars on the backs of both hands, indicating the countless times he has collided with lane ropes during practice.

His recent return to swimming in February last year has focused on fine-tuning his technique, particularly maintaining straight elbows in the butterfly stroke. Kimura, who lost his sight at the age of two, cannot watch video footage of his swimming and instead relies on fatigue and times to refine his stroke.

This will be the swimmer's first international multisport event in Japan since the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. Kimura expressed his hope to reignite public interest in athletes with disabilities, saying, "I want people to see what innovations we use to draw out our potential." With a total of 10 Paralympic medals across five appearances, Kimura vowed, "I will work hard to deliver my best performance."