Yuki Ota, Japan’s silver medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Men’s Foil, announced that he will join a French club team this month.
"Fencing in France has been my dream for years," said Ota at a press conference held in Tokyo prior to his departure on Wednesday. Ota said he expects to improve his skills ahead of the London Olympic Games in 2012.
The Japanese fencer, who will keep his position as an employee at confectionery giant Morinaga & Co., will compete in the Fleuret Masters on Saturday, where eight of the world’s top fencers have been invited for the individual competition. He is also set to compete in a team with two French fencers at France’s national tournament on April 18.
Depending on the results, Ota could stay in France up to June. He will practice at a national sport academy in the country.
"After the Beijing Olympics, there was a time when I didn’t want to practice," said Ota. "But receiving a chance to take part in competitions in France has inspired me."
Ota’s friend Erwan Le Pechoux, who is in the same French club team and won three gold medals as a French team member at the World Fencing Championships, invited him to join the tournaments.
"I want to inspire children’s dreams by achieving my goals," said Ota.
