Olympic Stories- Satomi Suzuki Helping Japan in the Pool

When one thinks of swimming, the countries which first come to mind are the United States, Australia and perhaps China. But, Japan has had a really strong showing in the pool at the 2012 London Olympics as well. Though Team Japan did not win a gold medal in swimming, the team has so far garnered nine medals, including two silvers and seven bronze medals.

One of those silver medals came from Satomi Suzuki, 21, who won the medal in the 200-meter breast-stroke. Suzuki also won a bronze medal in the 100-meter breast-stroke.

According to "Japan Daily News," Suzuki finished the 200-meter breast-stroke in 2 minutes, 20.72 seconds, which was more than a full second behind the winner Rebecca Soni of the United States, however she was able to tie a Japanese record with her time.

Yuliya Yefimova of Russia finished third in that race.

So far, Japan has scored 21 medals overall, including two gold medals from Kaori Matsumoto in women's judo and Kohie Uchimara in men's gymnastics.

http://www.joc.or.jp/english/