Paris Olympics: Asia’s standards not good enough, Japan triathlete Kenji Nener says
- ‘Bashfest’ swim in Seine hurt his prospects during men’s race, but he says there is a huge gap between Asia and rest of world
Japan’s Kenji Nener was “frustrated and upset” after failing to transfer his continental superiority to the global stage in the Olympic triathlon – and said doing well in Asia was insufficient preparation.
Asian Games champion Nener finished 15th on an iconic French capital course on Wednesday, three years after placing 14th in the Tokyo Olympics.
After coming home third in the Hong Kong leg of the Triathlon World Cup in March, Nener told the Post he felt closer than ever to the world’s best performers.
The 31-year-old paid for surrendering energy during a “bashfest” of a swim in the Seine, however, and ultimately finished in one hour, 45 minutes and two seconds, well behind the 1:43.33 clocked by British gold medallist Alex Yee. Hayden Wilde of New Zealand and France’s Leo Bergere completed the podium.
Nener was the highest Asian finisher, with teammate Madoko Odakura next best in 41st.
“If you pride yourself on doing well in Asia, it’s not enough, it doesn’t mean anything,” Nener told the Post.
