Sotomura finishes 4th in men's trampoline final

Wednesday 20th August, 07:22 AM JST

BEIJING —

Japan’s Pacific Rim champion Tetsuya Sotomura just missed the medals podium in the men’s trampoline final at the Beijing Olympics with a fourth place finish Tuesday. Sotomura, aiming to follow in the footsteps of his father who won two Olympic medals in artistic gymnastics, stepped out of the jumping area at National Indoor Stadium early in his routine and received 39.80 points. The 23-year-old world bronze medalist in 2005 stood in second place with two athletes left to compete, but saw his medal dream dashed when both overtook him. ‘‘I came here thinking I was prepared thoroughly, but the result shows that it wasn’t so,’’ a visibly disappointed Sotomura told reporters. ‘‘I want to take up this challenge once again.’’

China’s Lu Chunlong won the event with 41.00 points, followed by Canadian Jason Burnett 0.3 point behind in second place and Dong Dong, also of host China, in third with 40.60. Sotomura, winner at the Pacific Rim gymnastics championships in March who was making his first appearance in the Summer Games, had the best finish ever for a Japanese in an Olympic trampoline event. His father Koji got two bronze medals in the 1984 Los Angeles Games in the men’s team and floor exercise events.

Kyodo

5 Comments

okapake at 07:46 AM JST - 20th August

Poor thing. Nippon misses again.
Wolfpack at 08:25 AM JST - 20th August

It's too bad that Japan missed out on a medal. Better luck in synchronized ping-pong.
Pukey2 at 08:40 AM JST - 20th August

Did you see the look on Dong Dong's face after he only got bronze? He was in shock and was totally speechless.
smithinjapan at 10:30 AM JST - 20th August

Yeah, Dong Dong was in utter shock... it's been reported in various other media, but screw him. If he's not content with what he deserved, he doesn't deserve it.

As to the Japanese athlete... sorry, mean. Fourth is the loneliest position you can get. Better luck next time.
romulus3 at 08:56 PM JST - 20th August

its no sport. I am great on a trampoline. Go away.