"They were like tigers" Say Japan's Running Twin Murayama Brothers

Much as I wish to report crispy news from Japan, today's episode will have to evidence in some way Japan's mediocre level in athletic sports. 

In the IAAF world championships in Beijing, Japan entered famed twin brothers in long distances: elder brother Kenta Murayama in 10000 and his younger brother Kota Murayama in 5000. 

Kenta finished 22nd in 10000 and Kota 15th in his 5000. Minutes before the race Kota felt half paralyzed the moment he stepped into the waiting room. "I remembered Kenta had said they were all like tigers, and they really were", recalled Kota. "The way we are, we never compete in the world", Kota murmured.

Now working for Asahi Kasei, both were popular heroes of New Year's College Hakone Ekiden. Kenta and Kota are second twins to participate in the ITTF championships the IAAF world championships after Soh brothers, their current running coaches. 

The New Year's College Hakone Ekiden is a traditional round-trip relay-marathon the like of which unknown elsewhere outside Japan. The race links Tokyo and Hakone in the foothills of Mt. Fuji - from Tokyo to Hakone on New Year's day and backward on January 2, The round-trip relay-marathon consists of 10 sections, five to go and 5 to return. 

The Murayama brothers were brilliant throughout the three years they were at college, running in key sections for their respective colleges. They had chosen different colleges just to enjoy rivalry.

So, the twins were Japan's stars to shine in the sky over Beijin. Too bad, they fell short of even rising in the sky. 

Kenta and Kota have tasted the sorrow of loosing the hard way. Now they are eyeing for a career as marathoners. "From now on we will be running in lots of overseas races and have plenty to learn from each and every one of them", say the Murayama brothers. 
The twins will remember Beijin 2015 forever.