Speed Skater Kodaira Nao Determined to Defend 500-Meter Olympic Crown in Beijing

Kodaira Nao celebrates her victory in the 500 meters on February 18, 2018, at Gangneung, South Korea. She is the first Japanese woman speed skater to win Olympic gold in the event. (© Jiji)

Kodaira at the 2005 National High School Skating Championships. Her strength on the ice was apparent from the time she was a junior competitor. (© Kyōdō)

From left, Tabata Maki, Kodaira, and Hozumi Masako show off their silver medals in the team pursuit at the Vancouver Olympics. (© Kyōdō)