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Steeplechaser Takeda Announces Retirement

http://www.at-s.com/sports/detail/1174213755.html

translated by Brett Larner

One of Japan's top 3000 m steeplechase runners, Tsuyoshi Takeda (Suzuki Hamamatsu AC) announced his retirement following his run at the Shizuoka Prefecture Track and Field Championships.  In addition to long-lasting pain in the bottom of his right foot, Takeda, just 28, has recently had problems with the meniscus in his right knee that have meant he could not run as planned this season.  Before last month's National Championships he said, "If I don't produce results then that's it," and after finishing 9th he stuck to that decision.

For his final race he chose the Prefectural Championships, saying, "I want my family to see me run."  With his wife Aiko and sons Hayato, 2, and Futoshi, 6 months, watching, Takeda took 2nd, running an active race that saw him do much of the leading work up front.  Takeda will remain a Suzuki employee for the time being but hopes to become a coach in the future.

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