Yukio Kasaya facts for kids
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Quick facts for kids Personal information |
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| Born | August 17, 1943 Ōe Village, Japan |
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| Died | April 23, 2024 (aged 80) Sapporo |
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| Height | 170 cm | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 66 kg | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Ski jumping | |||||||||||||||||||
| Club | Meiji University Nikka Whisky Distilling |
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Medal record
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Yukio Kasaya (笠谷 幸生, Kasaya Yukio, August 17, 1943 – April 23, 2024) was a famous Japanese ski jumper. He made history at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan. There, he became the first Japanese athlete to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. He was also the second Japanese person ever to win any medal at the Winter Games, after Chiharu Igaya.
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Yukio Kasaya was born on August 17, 1943. He started ski jumping at a place called Taketsuru facility in his hometown of Yoichi. This facility was built by the founder of Nikka Whisky Distilling, Masataka Taketsuru. Later, in 1972, the facility was renamed after Kasaya to honor his achievements.
Kasaya also worked for a long time at the Nikka distillery. He eventually became a section head there.
Olympic & World Championship Highlights
Yukio Kasaya competed in several Olympic Games. He took part in the 1964, 1968, 1972, and 1976 Winter Olympics. His most memorable moment was at the 1972 Sapporo Games, where he won his historic gold medal in the individual normal hill event.
Before his Olympic gold, Kasaya also achieved great success at the 1970 World Championships. He won a silver medal there. He also had an amazing start to the 1971/72 Four Hills Tournament, winning the first three jumping events.
Kasaya was chosen to be the flag bearer for Japan at the Olympics twice. He carried the flag in 1976 and again in 1998.
Later Life
Yukio Kasaya passed away in Sapporo on April 23, 2024. He was 80 years old. He is remembered as a pioneer in Japanese winter sports.
See also
In Spanish: Yukio Kasaya para niños
