In the Sapporo Olympics in 1972, Kasaya became the first Japanese athlete to win Olympic gold in jumping. It gave the man from the Hokkaido region legendary status in Japan.
He passed away on Tuesday 23 April. The news is confirmed by a number of Japanese media.
– Kasaya died of a heart disease in a hospital in Sapporo, aged 80, writes The Japan Times.
GONE: Yukio Kasaya together with Norwegian Ingolf Mork during the Holmenkoll race in 1972. The same year that Kasaya won Olympic gold on home soil. Photo: Ivar Aaserud Aktuell / NTB
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Avisa further writes that a memorial ceremony is planned at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium – one of the facilities used during the 1972 Olympics.
Noriaki Kasai received the news with great sadness.
– He is someone I have admired since I was a child. After hearing of the death of such a great figure in Japanese show jumping, I would like to express my condolences to his loved ones. May he rest in peace, says Kasai.
Kasaya was a member of the International Ski Federation’s (FIS) Jumping Committee from 2001 to 2008.
– This is sad and a great loss for the mare family. The historic victory on home ground in 1972 was a milestone in Japanese show jumping, writes FIS in a press release.
Another Japanese – Ryōyū Kobayashi. accounted for the longest ski jump in history on 24 April. See it would soar here:
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The now-deceased Japanese starred in what must be said to be one of the most absurd stories in show jumping.
Prior to the 1972 Olympics, Kasaya had won the first three races in Hoppuka, and was close to winning the prestigious competition.
Shock: Confirms
But before the end in Bischofshofen, the entire Japanese team went home. Reason: They should prepare as much as possible for the Olympics at home.
It went relatively well for Kasaya, who took the gold in the normal slope. With silver for Akitsugu Konno and bronze for Seiji Aochi – both from Japan – it must be said to have been a stroke of genius from the Japanese support apparatus.
