Japan has shocked the world after sending home their star women gymnast Shoko Miyata, after she was caught smoking, find out more below about her bio, age and height
Notably, the incident takes place with the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France opening ceremonies just one week away.
Who is Shoko Miyata as Japan Gymnastics team captain is sent back from 2024 Olympics for smoking, bio, age, height and coach
Interestingly, aside from sending her home, the Japanese federation will not replace her and instead send four athletes to Paris.
Japanese Gymnastics Association sends home Miyata Shoko
The Japanese Gymnastics Association in a shocking move has decided to remove their star woman gymnast Miyata Shoko from their Olympic squad. As such, the young and upcoming gymnast will miss the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. The decision comes after Miyata was reportedly caught smoking, presumably a cigarette, while in Monaco.
Smoking cigarettes for people under 20 is reportedly illegal in Japan, and the fact that the incident took place outside of the country is reportedly considered a very serious offense by the Japanese. Following the decision, Miyata Shoko had to leave for home to Japan on Thursday and confirmed that she also drank alcohol.
Amidst the controversy, her coach has come out in support for the youngster. He suggested that Miyata may have indulged in smoking as a result of her breaking due to the intense pressure. As such, he requested that people should be understanding towards her and the situation.
Interestingly, Japan have the full authority to replace Miyata on their now four-member team. However, they have decided not replace her, and will instead send only four athletes to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Shoko Miyata bio
Shoko Miyata is a Japanese artistic gymnast who was born on September 24, 2005 in Kyoto, Japan. She gained prominence after winning the 2022 World bronze medal on the balance beam and the 2022 Asian Championships silver medalist on vault and floor exercise that same year. Miyata got selected to represent Japan at the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, but recently, on July 18, 2024, she had to leave the team following a disciplinary issue.
Age and height
Miyata is currently 18 years old and stands at a height of 1.51 m.
Head coach
Miyata Shoko trains under head coach Mutsumi Harada.
Career and achievements
Miyata began her journey in gymnastics when she was just four years old, after initially following her older brother to a gymnastics class. She was seemingly Japanโs most important athlete coming into Paris before getting kicked out. Miyata finished eighth in the all-around at the 2022 World Championship, and served as the captain and elder stateswoman on a very young Japanese team.
Over the past few years, Miyata Shoko has achieved quite a number of top finishes across various levels of gymnastics. Given below is her career stats and achievements across her professional career so far.
World Championships
| Position | Competition | Event |
| Bronze medal โ third place | 2022 Liverpool | Balance beam |
Asian Championships
| Position | Competition | Event |
| Bronze medal โ third place | 2022 Liverpool | Balance beam |
| Silver medal โ second place | 2022 Doha | Vault |
| Silver medal โ second place | 2022 Doha | Floor exercise |
| Bronze medal โ third place | 2022 Doha | Team |
World University Games
| Position | Competition | Event |
| Gold medal โ first place | 2021 Chengdu | Vault |
| Silver medal โ second place | 2021 Chengdu | Team |
| Bronze medal โ third place | 2021 Chengdu | Floor exercise |