Sagamihara — May 9, 2025 — Daito University athlete Mori Yuyo clocked an remarkable 9.97 seconds in the 100-meter dash at the Kanto Intercollegiate Championships, held in Sagamihara. The competition saw Mori achieve victory despite a challenging initial false start, capitalizing on his second chance. This dominant performance sets the stage for future races where the primary goal is to secure an official sub-10-second time.
Mori yuyo Clocks Blazing 9.97 Seconds at Kanto Intercollegiate Championships
Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture – Daito University’s Mori Yuyo surged to victory in the 100-meter dash at the 104th Kanto Intercollegiate Championships on May 9, 2025, held at Sagamihara Gion stadium. His impressive time of 9.97 seconds was aided by a meaningful tailwind of +3.9 meters per second.
Qualifying Heat and Record Attempt
Mori’s performance built upon a strong showing in the qualifying round, where he aimed to surpass the tournament record of 10.23 seconds,previously set in 2014 by Ryota Yamagata of Keio University. He successfully broke the record by 0.01 seconds, setting the stage for an electrifying final.
The final Race: A Second Chance
The final race was not without its challenges. An initial false start forced a restart, adding pressure to the competitors. Mori reflected on the first attempt, stating, The start before the redo was late. It was a bit perilous.
Did You Know?
A false start in track and field occurs when an athlete leaves the starting blocks before the starting gun is fired. Under World Athletics rules, one false start results in immediate disqualification for the offending athlete.
Capitalizing on the second chance, Mori executed a powerful start. I think I was able to accelerate well and made my own race,
he said. His sharp acceleration allowed him to pull ahead of the pack,securing a decisive lead. The initial timer displayed a time of 9.98 seconds, triggering a wave of jubilation from Mori and his supporters.
moriyuki won the 100m in the Kanto Intercollegiate Championships in 2025
Post-Race Reflections
Mori expressed a mix of surprise and satisfaction wiht his performance.Oh,it felt like it was really coming out. I wasn’t too greedy about thyme, so I was surprised at 80% and 20% were happy,
he shared with a laugh. Acknowledging the favorable conditions, he added, The tailwind was also very strong, so it felt good to run.
From Soccer to Track: Mori’s Athletic Journey
Mori’s athletic background includes playing soccer until junior high school, when he transitioned to track and field. As a high school student at Ichifunabashi High School in Chiba, he achieved 8th place in the 100m at the Inter-High School Championships during his third year. Last year, while at Daito University, he recorded a personal best of 10.13 seconds. however, a left gastrocnemius muscle injury in the semi-finals of the Japan Championships temporarily sidelined him.
Looking Ahead
Despite the unofficial nature of the record due to the wind assistance, Mori’s performance has propelled him into contention for national honors. I think we’ve got a good start to the season. It would be great if we could match the standard with the Japan Championships in July and get to the 9-second range, but I would like to continue to challenge myself without being greedy.
His sights are now set on the Japan Championships,where he hopes to achieve an official sub-10-second time.
pro Tip: Training in Windy Conditions
Athletes can adapt to windy conditions by adjusting their running form. A slight lean into the wind can help maintain balance and reduce wind resistance. Additionally, focusing on a strong arm drive can improve stability and power output.
