Ikee diagnosed with leukemia; participation in 2020 Games uncertain

February 13, 2019

Tokyo, Feb. 12 (Jiji Press)--Prominent Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, 18, said on Twitter on Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with leukemia.

At the moment, it is unclear whether she will be compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, sources said.

Ikee tweeted that she tested positive for the disease after hurriedly returning from Australia due to poor health.

She added that she has decided not to participate in the national swimming championships in April, in order to concentrate on treatment.

"I'm confused, as I still can't believe it," Ikee said. "I'll fight to emerge as a stronger Rikako Ikee as soon as possible."

At a press conference in Tokyo the same day, Koji Ueno, deputy head of the Japan Swimming Federation, said that he does not know at this point whether Ikee will be able to compete in the 2020 event while the swimmer, who is considered a medal hopeful for the Tokyo Games, must want to compete in the Olympics.

According to those at the press conference, including Jiro Miki, Ikee's coach, she attended a training camp in the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, from Jan. 18.

Although the camp was supposed to continue until last Sunday, Ikee had a health check at a local institution on Feb. 4 after irregularities were detected in her condition, including a significant decrease in her physical strength.

She returned to Japan on Friday for further examination. After checks the same day, she received a diagnosis of leukemia, or blood cancer, and was hospitalized immediately.

"We've been informed (by Ikee's doctor) that the disease was found at an early stage," Masaaki Yoshida, president of fitness club operator Renaissance Inc. <2378>, said. Ikee is an athlete aligned with Renaissance.

Ueno noted that he can "say only" at the moment that Ikee has been diagnosed with leukemia and that more time is needed to determine whether her leukemia is acute or chronic.

On Ikee competing in the 2020 Games, Miki said that the "possibility is not zero." He voiced hopes of supporting Ikee mentally.

Ikee holds the national records for five long-course individual events for women, including the 100-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly.

At the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Ikee won six gold medals and was named MVP. In the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, she finished fifth in the 100-meter butterfly. Fellow swimmers and rivals gave encouragements to Ikee.

On Instagram, female Japanese swimmer Runa Imai, 18, who also competed in the Rio Games, said: "I don't know about the disease. But I can say Rikako is really strong, so she'll be all right."

Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden, the world record holder for the women's 100-meter butterfly, posted a photo of her and Ikee swimming together with smiles.

She said: "My eyes are filled with tears when I read the news about my friend...being diagnosed with leukemia. Sending all my strength and love to you!" Ikee and Sjostrom had a joint training camp last autumn.

Retired Japanese swimmer Kosuke Kitajima, who won gold for the men's 100- and 200-meter breaststroke in the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said, "Reading a flurry of news reports on Ikee's disease, I've been reminded again that she is an athlete loved (by everyone)."

"It is important to create an environment for her to concentrate on treatment," he added. Jiji Press