Mizuki Matsuda Announces Plans to Retire Soon to Have Children – Brett Larner – Japan Running News

Matsuda told the media, „I was 2nd last year, so to be the winner this year honestly makes me really happy.“ Matsuda will run the marathon at August’s Budapest World Championships, then will double at the Oct. 15 MGC Race Paris Olympic marathon trials. She admitted that it’s a tough schedule, but said, „Being able to compete at the top level of the sport is a great experience. I want to perform in the race that’s closer on the horizon more than what’s still further away, and that’s why I wanted to do compete at the World Championships.“

Matsuda’s coach Miwako Yamanaka wanted her to only run the Olympic trials, but, said Matsuda, „I’m going to retire soon, so I want to show everyone who supports me that I always challenge myself and never leave any regrets, right up to the very end.“ Asked why she’s planning to retire, Matsuda, 27, answered, „I want to have three kids, so in terms of age I feel like it’s probably just about time to stop.“ JAAF marathon boss Toshihiko Seko called out, „Keep going til you’re 40!“ but Matsuda just laughed and said, „Motion rejected!“

At the MGC, Matsuda said, „It would be awesome if I could win it and make the Olympic team.“