Masazumi Soejima facts for kids
 Soejima during the 2009 Boston Marathon |
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| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Track and field (athletics) | ||
Representing  Japan |
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| Paralympic Games | ||
| Bronze | 2004 Athens | 4x400m – T53-54 |
Masazumi Soejima (副島 正純, Soejima Masazumi) is a famous Paralympian athlete from Japan. He was born in 1970. He is best known for his amazing skills in wheelchair racing, especially in long-distance events.
Soejima competes in the T54 category, which is for athletes with spinal cord injuries or similar conditions. He has achieved many great things in his career.
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Masazumi Soejima: A Champion Wheelchair Racer
Masazumi Soejima is a top athlete in the world of wheelchair racing. He has shown incredible speed and endurance in many races. His dedication to the sport has made him a role model for many.
Big Wins in Marathons
Soejima has won some of the biggest marathon races in the world. In 2011, he was the men's wheelchair winner of two very famous events:
- The 2011 New York Marathon
- The 2011 Boston Marathon
Winning these marathons is a huge achievement. They are known for being very challenging races.
Competing in the Paralympics
Masazumi Soejima has represented Japan in the Paralympic Games multiple times. The Paralympics are a major international sports event for athletes with disabilities.
He competed in the marathon event at both the 2004 Athens Paralympics and the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.
Paralympic Medal Success
While he competed in many races, Soejima won one special medal at the Paralympics.
- In 2004, at the Athens Paralympics, he won a bronze medal.
- This medal was for the Japanese 4 × 400 meter relay team.
- He also competed in other races like the 10,000m in 2004, and the 5,000m and 1,500m in 2008.
Life Beyond Racing
After his successful racing career, Masazumi Soejima started working in the administration side of wheelchair racing. This means he helps organize and manage races.
- He served as the race director for the wheelchair section of the 2019 Tokyo Marathon.
- In this role, he helped make sure the wheelchair race ran smoothly. This shows his continued commitment to the sport.
Masazumi Soejima's journey from a top athlete to an administrator shows his passion for wheelchair racing. He continues to inspire others both on and off the track.
