Choshun Ryu (born 23 January 1912) was a Japanese long-distance runner in the 1930s.[1] He represented the Japanese Empire internationally.

Choshun Ryu
Personal information
NationalityJapanese
Born(1912-01-23)23 January 1912
Sport
SportAthletics
Event(s)10,000 metres, marathon
Medal record
Representing  Japan
Far Eastern Championship Games
Gold medal – first place 1934 Manila 10,000 m
Silver medal – second place 1934 Manila 1500 m

On 14 April 1934 Ryu set the Asian athletics record in the 10,000 metres with a time of 31' 20.2" in Tokyo.[2] This was that season the sixth time worldwide.[3] Two monhts later he won the gold medal in the 10,000 metres event at the 1934 Far Eastern Championship Games in Manila. In the Dutch newspaper "Het nieuws van den dag voor Nederlandsch-Indië" is it described how this "tiny Japanese" was much better than the rest. During the race his lead got bigger and bigger. At the end of the race he had overtaken all opponents, except for the Japanese Hideo Tanaka.[4] He won at the Games also the silver medal in the 1500 metres behind Tanaka.[5]

In 1935 and 1937 he was the best Asian marathon runner. Worldwide he was sixth in 1935 and 1937.[6][7]

References

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  1. "Choshun Ryu profile". trackfield.brinkster.net. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  2. "Asian Distance Records". thegreatdistancerunners.de. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  3. "Track and Field Statistics - Top 10 Yearly - 1934". trackfield.brinkster.net. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  4. "De wedstrijden te Manilla". Het nieuws van den dag voor Nederlandsch-Indië (in Dutch). 2 June 1934. Retrieved 27 June 2022 – via Delpher.
  5. Far Eastern Championships. GBR Athletics. Retrieved on 12 August 2022.
  6. "Track and Field Statistics - Top 10 Yearly - 1935". trackfield.brinkster.net. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  7. "Track and Field Statistics - Top 10 Yearly - 1937". trackfield.brinkster.net. Retrieved 27 June 2022.