Already having made a name for himself at the 2012 Olympic Games in Rio by way of reaching the podium with a bronze medal in the men’s 400m IM, through his multiple performances since 2012 Japan’s Kosuke Hagino has proven he is a viable threat across more than just that one grueling event.
The 21-year old dominated his nation’s Olympic Trials last month, carrying away not only the 400m IM title, but also the 200m IM and 200m freestyle races as well. Barring any breakout performances at upcoming events such as the European Championships, Hagino sits atop both IM world rankings with times of 1:55.07 in the 200 IM and 4:08.90 in the 400 IM, while also holding the world’s 3rd-fastest 200m freestyle mark (1:45.50).
But the experienced racer is well aware of the obstacles he faces in an Olympic year, both internally and externally, and has changed his mindset accordingly heading into Rio. While at a training camp at Japan’s National Training Center, Hagino told the press that in London he was ‘of course aiming to win a medal’, but he also went into the men’s 400m IM race with ‘doubts clouding his mind.’
With his racing in Rio, however, Hagino confidently says that no luck will be involved. Straightforwardly, Hagino states that his aim is to “win gold in the 200m and 400m medley” and the star also says he has a chance to medal in the 200m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle relay events as well.
With Americans Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte combining to hold the world’s fastest top 10 times ever performed in the 200m IM event, Hagino recognizes the challenge the two athletes present. Acknowledging Phelps and Lochte’s greatness, Hagino commented that “It’s a buzz to race against them. I can’t wait.”
“Everyone comes to the Olympics in top condition but those two [Phelps and Lochte] will be the biggest challenge,” he said. “Mental toughness will be key. It’s important to hang in until the last 15 meters and then squeeze out every last ounce of power.”
“Phelps and Lochte have longer arms than me so with my little body I want to be a head in front at that point,” Hagino says of his strategy in the 200m IM.
“Phelps was always someone I looked up to,” he said. “I used to watch him on TV — when he won eight gold medals in 2008 in Beijing, and in Athens in 2004. But when I get in the water I want to beat him.”
“Of course, even if the dream comes true and I win gold, I’ll still be a long way behind Phelps.”
Hagino further explained the allure of the quadrennial Games, saying, “That’s why the Olympics are so special. I’ve swum against him several times but you only get the chance at the Olympics once every four years. Not just Phelps, but Ryan Lochte too.”
The Japanese swimmer did not get that chance, at least with Lochte, in Kazan at last summer’s FINA World Championships, as Hagino was left with a broken elbow after a bike incident. Reflecting on that downturn, Hagino said he felt ‘helpless.’
“It was so hard not to be able to compete. I was hoping to win a gold medal and give myself momentum before Rio so it was a big blow. But on the other hand it’s made me stronger mentally and I’m confident I’ll peak at the right time.”
With Tokyo hosting the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, Hagino allows his vision to extend past Rio as well.
“To think that the Tokyo Olympics is next is a real thrill,” he said. “Obviously I will never be like Kitajima or be able to do what Phelps has done.
“Hopefully one day kids will think: ‘I want to be like Hagino’ — but I have a lot to do before that happens.”
Nice to see his humility yet maintaining his confidence speaking of Lochte and Phelps. Unlike Most swimmers he’s smart enough to NOT give them any extra motivation by talking smack unlike Le Clos who just keeps adding fuel to the fire. But either Should be an awesome race in rio in both IM’s and Events where Le clos Matches up against Phelps. Honestly love the drama trash talking adds though. it makes things ever more interesting .
Mad respect for Hagino and the respect he has for the sport, other great athletes, and himself. In a time where you can see a lot of guys talk smack he shows true character.
So what is MP’s best 200 I’m time that was not LZR to Fastkin2? And when did he do it?
Kosuke Hagino needs some serious psychological prayer.
Expect Phelps to break the WR in th 200IM. I’ve never seen him faulter at 100pct at peak meets. I think Lochte may have a hard time peaking past his 2011 Worlds.
200m fly London 2012 vs Le Clos? Although I think Phelps is going to be in a much better place mentally for Rio than he was in London.
Very nice from Hagino regarding Phelps and Lochte – thats the kind of spirit i really like in this sport . It will be a HUGE battle between those 3 .
I think that he is the red hot favourite for the 400IM, even if Lochte swims it. The 200IM is a lot harder to call. Hagino has age on his side which means that his prospects for improvement from 1:55.07 is greater than both Phelps and Lochte’s. Having said that his experience on the big stage has been hampered by last years injury, and is nowhere near the other two greats. Taking all of that into consideration, I think that he will win the 200IM, becoming one of the stars of the sport.
The thing about Hagino is that he’s never been under 1:55. Phelps and Lochte have gone 1:54 low multiple times. I do think Hagino will be 1:54 something, but he’s not going 1:53 high with Phelps. That’s just the fact of the matter. He maybe there with Lochte in 1:54 mid, maybe 1:54 low.
I don’t think he was challenging Phelps. Off course he wants to beat Phelps. If not why would he be swimming at all. He can’t say I want Phelps to beat me. He was just stating his goals.
I think he can swim a 1:54 low in the 200im and a 4:06 in the 400im. I,m basing this on his best times in short course meters which I compared to lochte,s best times in short and long course. His short course times are not terribly far from lochte,s best but off course short course meters doesn’t always translate well but he has swam a 4:07 in the 400im while swimming a more brutal schedule so it,s possible.
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