YUKIFUMI TANAKA’S ROAD TO TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES

Yukifumi Tanaka’s

Road to Tokyo 2020  Olympic Games

The 2020 Summer Olympics, Tokyo 2020, will be held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. In the run-up to the biggest sporting event, we catch up with our AISTS alumni playing a vital role at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Yuki, AISTS MAS 2019, wrote his research paper on the topic of “How can the International Equestrian Federation contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?”. This led him to continue his professional career in the Olympic environment – at the International Equestrian Federation(FEI). Since April 2021, Yuki has been working as Digital Content Coordinator at the Olympic Channel.              

Tell us about your current role in/for coming Tokyo 2020
I work in Olympic Channel, now mainly focusing on real-time digital content before, during and after Tokyo 2020.

What is your typical day like?
Normally, I plan series topics and exclusive content with international colleagues, coordinate interviews with past/future Olympians, and produce articles with videos and photos. Every week, one member at least releases one global article on the platform. Others should translate and localise it into his or her own language, for me the Japanese. My team is composed of very multi-national members from all over the world.

Yukifumi Tanaka at the Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020

What’s the best part of your job?

Being in the middle of the Olympic Movement.
I can always see, hear and feel the excitement or amazing stories of the Olympic Games not only from athletes but also from my inspirational teammates. At the same time, our mission is to deliver more attention-grabbing contents to engage with existing Olympic fans and new audiences. It is truly irreplaceable.

Tell us about your journey so far from Lausanne to Tokyo 2020, since you graduated from AISTS

I cannot say in an easy way nor short words, because the COVID-19 pandemic deprived every envisaging pathway of me. It was massively painful. However, one thing I can surely say is that the AISTS has given considerate and tremendous support to me under this global crisis, even after my graduation in December 2019. I heartily appreciate the team’s consideration. Thank you very much.  

AISTS MAS 2019 UN Visit

What one thing did you learn at the AISTS that you still keep in mind for your work today?

Difficult to choose, because every experience in the AISTS makes me stronger and more confident to build up my international career in the Olympic Capital. From my Japanese standpoint to have had few chances to interact with global people, I would say there is no difference to love sports and Olympic Games, regardless of genders, race, and cultures. Via the programme, I further come to trust the goal of the Olympic Movement; building a better world through sport.  

Do you have any advice for those looking at the next step in their sport management career and wanting to get into the Olympic Movement?

If you want to join the Olympic Movement, what are you waiting for? The door is open and the AISTS will help let your dream come true. I can do it, and so can you! #StrongerTogether

Experience the world of sport in the Olympic Capital

Participants attend several full-day workshops throughout the programme to experience sport. These sessions are delivered by the sport organisations and federations themselves and provide a unique hands-on experience and well as an ideal opportunity to connect to our alumni and experts working in the industry.

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