1. Overview
Akitsugu Konno (金野 昭次Konno AkitsuguJapanese, September 1, 1944 - September 5, 2019) was a prominent Japanese ski jumper who competed in the early 1970s. He is best known for winning a silver medal in the Individual Normal Hill event at the 1972 Winter Olympics held in his hometown of Sapporo, Japan. This achievement was part of a historic podium sweep by Japanese ski jumpers, a feat that earned the team the nickname "Hinomaru Hikotai."
2. Life
Akitsugu Konno's life was deeply intertwined with the sport of ski jumping from a young age, leading him to achieve international recognition.
2.1. Birth and Childhood
Akitsugu Konno was born on September 1, 1944, in Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. His journey in ski jumping began early, as he started practicing the sport in the third grade of elementary school.
2.2. Education and Early Career
Konno continued his academic and athletic development through his formative years. He attended Hokkai High School before enrolling in Nihon University, where he further honed his ski jumping skills under the guidance of Yushiro Yagi, who served as the director of the university's ski club. After graduating from university, Konno joined the Hokkaido Takushoku Bank, initially as a corporate athlete.
2.3. Ski Jumping Career
Konno's career as a ski jumper saw him participate in multiple major international competitions, with his Olympic appearances being the highlight of his competitive years.
2.3.1. 1968 Grenoble Olympics
Konno made his Olympic debut at the 1968 Winter Olympics held in Grenoble, France. In his first appearance on the world stage, he finished 24th in the Normal Hill (70m) individual event and 20th in the Large Hill (90m) individual event. Despite Japan sending its largest ever delegation of 62 athletes to these games, the team did not secure any medals or achieve a top-six finish in any event.
2.3.2. 1972 Sapporo Olympics
Four years later, Konno competed in the 1972 Winter Olympics, which were hosted in his hometown of Sapporo. This event marked the pinnacle of his career, as he secured a silver medal in the Normal Hill (70m) individual event. This historic achievement was part of a remarkable Japanese podium sweep, with Yukio Kasaya winning the gold medal and Seiji Aochi taking the bronze. This trio of Japanese ski jumpers became famously known as the "Hinomaru Hikotai" (日の丸飛行隊Rising Sun Flag SquadronJapanese). Konno was the first Japanese athlete to jump in the event, a role that earned him the nickname "Japan's Vanguard Captain" (日本の切り込み隊長Nihon no Kirikomi TaichōJapanese). In the Large Hill event at the same games, he finished 12th.
2.3.3. 1976 Innsbruck Olympics
Konno was again selected as a reserve for the Japanese national team for the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. However, he was ultimately not included in the final four-person roster for either the 70m or 90m individual events and therefore did not compete.
2.3.4. Jump Style and Nicknames
Despite his relatively small stature, measuring 64 in (162 cm), Akitsugu Konno was renowned for his distinctive and highly effective jumping style. He was particularly noted for his exceptionally sharp and crisp takeoff, which was so precise that it earned him the epithet "Kamisori Sats" (カミソリサッツRazor TakeoffJapanese) or "Razor Jump." This technique allowed him to achieve impressive distances despite his physical build.
3. Personal Life
Beyond his competitive career, Akitsugu Konno's personal life included connections to other notable figures in ski jumping and a post-retirement career. His maternal relative, Kenji Hama, was historically significant as the first record holder of the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo.
After retiring from competitive ski jumping, Konno transitioned from his role as a corporate athlete at Hokkaido Takushoku Bank to become a salesman for the same institution. His involvement in the sport continued in other capacities, notably during the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. On January 6, Konno participated in the Olympic torch relay, serving as the first runner for the East Japan route, which commenced in Sapporo. During the opening ceremony of the Nagano Games, he was one of eight distinguished individuals who carried the Olympic flag into the stadium. The group included Chiharu Igaya, Yukio Kasaya, Yoshihiro Kitazawa, Hatsue Nagakubo, Yuko Otaka, Seiko Hashimoto, and Hiromi Yamamoto.
4. Death
Akitsugu Konno passed away on September 5, 2019, at the age of 75. He died in a hospital located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, with the cause of death attributed to hypopharyngeal cancer.
5. Evaluation and Impact
Akitsugu Konno's legacy in Japanese ski jumping is primarily defined by his pivotal role in the historic "Hinomaru Hikotai" at the 1972 Sapporo Olympics. His silver medal contribution to Japan's unprecedented podium sweep in the Normal Hill event cemented his place in the annals of Japanese sports history. Beyond his medal, his distinctive "Razor Jump" technique left a lasting impression on the sport, showcasing that precision and sharp execution could compensate for physical stature. His continued involvement in major events, such as the 1998 Nagano Olympics torch relay and flag-bearing ceremony, further underscored his enduring status as a respected figure in the Japanese sporting community.