Japanese Swimmer Ikee Returns to Competition after Leukemia Treatment

From Jiji Press

August 29 2020

TOKYO – Japanese swimming star Rikako Ikee competed in an event in Tokyo on Saturday, marking her comeback to competition for the first time in about one year and seven months after being treated for leukemia.

Ikee, 20, participated in the 50-meter freestyle event in a special competition at the Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center.

 She finished the race in 26.32 seconds, against the Japanese female record of 24.21 seconds set by herself, coming first in her heat.

“I’m so happy to finish first. I could really enjoy swimming,” Ikee said.

Ikee made her Olympic debut in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games at the age of 16. She became the Most Valuable Player of the 2018 Asian Games by winning six gold medals.