Tomomi Okazaki

Tomomi Okazaki (Japanese冈 崎 朋 美, Okazaki Tomomi, born September 7, 1971 in Kiyosato ) is a Japanese speed skater. At a size of 164 cm, it starts with a weight of 57 kg. She is considered one of the best and most successful sprinters of the 1990s and 2000s. Okazaki starts for the Japanese speed skating team of professionals Fuji.

Tomomi Okazaki made ​​his debut in December 1992 in the World Cup and was also placed in the top ten already within a few races. In February 1996, won her first race over the 500 meters in Roseville. 1995/96 and 1999/2000, she joined the World Cup starting on the 500 - meter course in second. Your skills as an all-rounder, she proved when she was 1996/97 on the long distance third in the overall World Cup.

1997 Okazaki was in Obihiro Asia champion in the 500 and 1000 meters, again in 1997 over 500 meters. 1996, 1998 and 1999, she won bronze respectively at the World Championships over 500 meters. Her biggest success was the bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Nagano in 1998 In 1994 she participated in the Olympic Games in Lillehammer, 2002, she reached at the Games in Salt Lake City, a sixth place over 500 meters. ; In Turin in 2006 they missed in fourth just renewed precious metal.

At the games in Turin, and four years later in Vancouver, she had the honor during the opening ceremony to carry the Japanese flag. By participating in the Games in Vancouver it is the first Japanese woman who takes part in five consecutive Olympics.

Essent ISU World Cup rankings

( As at 10 December 2006)