1. Overview
Shihomi Fukushima (福島 史帆実Fukushima ShihomiJapanese) is a former Japanese fencer specializing in the sabre discipline. Born on June 19, 1995, she achieved significant success throughout her career, culminating in a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris as part of the women's team sabre event. Her achievements also include a bronze medal at the World Fencing Championships, a silver and a bronze medal at the Asian Games, and multiple medals at the Asian Fencing Championships and the Summer Universiade. Fukushima's career highlights her journey from a talent discovery program in Fukuoka Prefecture to becoming a prominent figure in Japanese fencing, contributing to the sport's growing recognition and success on the international stage.
2. Early life and education
Shihomi Fukushima's early life and academic pursuits laid the foundation for her successful fencing career, marked by a unique transition into the sport.
2.1. Childhood and transition to fencing
Shihomi Fukushima was born on June 19, 1995, in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. In the fourth grade of elementary school, she applied for a prefectural talent discovery program, an initiative designed to identify promising young athletes. Throughout her middle school years, Fukushima initially pursued track and field as her primary sport. However, based on the aptitude assessment from the talent discovery program, she transitioned to fencing upon her enrollment at Fukuoka Prefectural Fukuoka Kaisei High School.
2.2. High school and university years
During her third year of high school, Shihomi Fukushima achieved a significant early career milestone by winning the women's sabre individual title at the All-Japan High School General Athletic Meet Fencing Competition, often referred to as the Inter-high. Following her graduation from high school, she continued her education, enrolling in the Faculty of Law at Hosei University. Her development as a fencer progressed significantly during her university studies; in 2016, during her third year at Hosei University, she clinched the individual event title at the 69th All-Japan Fencing Championships. She completed her university education, graduating from Hosei University in 2018.
3. Fencing career
Shihomi Fukushima, a right-handed sabre fencer, built a distinguished career marked by notable achievements in both domestic and international competitions. Throughout her professional career, she was affiliated with Septeni Holdings.
3.1. Domestic achievements
Fukushima's national career was highlighted by consistent top-tier performances. She secured her first major domestic individual title by winning the 69th All-Japan Fencing Championships in 2016, showcasing her rising dominance in the sport within Japan. She further solidified her position as a leading Japanese fencer by winning the All-Japan Fencing Championships again in 2020.
3.2. International debut and early success
Fukushima made a significant impact on the international fencing circuit early in her career. In 2017, she earned a bronze medal as part of the Japanese women's team sabre at the 2017 Asian Fencing Championships held in Hong Kong. In the same year, she achieved a gold medal in the women's team sabre event at the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei, Taiwan. In the individual sabre event at the Universiade, she advanced to the top 16 competitors. Later in 2017, at the World Fencing Championships, she demonstrated her individual skill by reaching 7th place and contributed to the team's 4th place finish.
3.3. Major international competitions
Fukushima consistently represented Japan in major international tournaments, earning multiple medals and notable placements at the highest levels of competitive fencing.
3.3.1. World Championships and Asian Games
At the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia, Fukushima was a vital member of the Japanese women's team sabre squad that secured a bronze medal. In 2019, she earned two bronze medals at the Asian Fencing Championships held in Chiba, Japan: one in the women's individual sabre event and another in the women's team sabre event.
She continued her success at the 2022 World Fencing Championships in Cairo, Egypt, where she contributed to the Japanese women's team sabre winning a bronze medal. In the individual sabre event at the same championships, she was defeated in the second round, finishing 20th overall. At the 2022 Asian Fencing Championships in Seoul, South Korea, the Japanese women's team, with Fukushima, earned a silver medal. She also secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Asian Fencing Championships in Kuwait City, Kuwait, as part of the team event. Furthermore, at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, she was a member of the women's team sabre that earned a silver medal.
3.3.2. Olympic Games
Fukushima's Olympic journey began when she was selected as a reserve member for the women's sabre team at the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan. Despite being a reserve, she participated in the match against the ROC (Russian Olympic Committee) team, contributing to Japan's eventual 5th place finish in the women's team sabre event.
On May 19, 2024, it was officially announced that Fukushima had been selected to represent Japan at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. In the individual women's sabre event, she competed fiercely but was ultimately defeated in the second round by Olha Kharlan of Ukraine, with a final score of 9-15. On August 3, 2024, in the women's team sabre event at the Paris Olympics, a tactical substitution saw her replaced by Seri Ozaki in the seventh bout of the semifinals. Despite this, Fukushima was part of the team that went on to secure a bronze medal for Japan by defeating France 45-40 in the third-place match, marking a historic achievement for Japanese fencing and earning Fukushima an Olympic medal.
3.4. Retirement
Shihomi Fukushima's distinguished athletic career came to a close on November 15, 2024, when her affiliated organization, Septeni Holdings, formally announced her retirement from active competition.
4. Achievements
The following table lists Shihomi Fukushima's significant achievements in international competitions:
| Competition | Year | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games | 2024 | Women's team sabre | Bronze |
| World Fencing Championships | 2022 | Women's team sabre | Bronze |
| Asian Games | 2018 | Women's team sabre | Bronze |
| Asian Games | 2022 | Women's team sabre | Silver |
| Asian Fencing Championships | 2017 | Women's team sabre | Bronze |
| Asian Fencing Championships | 2019 | Women's individual sabre | Bronze |
| Asian Fencing Championships | 2019 | Women's team sabre | Bronze |
| Asian Fencing Championships | 2022 | Women's team sabre | Silver |
| Asian Fencing Championships | 2024 | Women's team sabre | Bronze |
| Summer Universiade | 2017 | Women's team sabre | Gold |
5. Personal life and affiliations
Shihomi Fukushima, born on June 19, 1995, is a right-handed sabre fencer. Throughout her professional career, she was affiliated with Septeni Holdings, a Japanese company. She stands at 65 in (165 cm) tall.
6. Legacy
Shihomi Fukushima's career significantly contributed to the rise of Japanese fencing, particularly in the sabre discipline. Her consistent international performances, including multiple medals at the Asian Championships, Asian Games, World Championships, and an Olympic bronze, showcased the growing strength of Japanese fencers on the global stage. Her journey from a talent discovery program through high school and university championships to an Olympic medalist serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in Japan. By being part of the historic team that secured Japan's first Olympic medal in women's team sabre, she played a crucial role in elevating the sport's profile within the country. Her retirement marks the end of a notable era for Japanese fencing, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and groundbreaking achievements.