Veteran politician and Olympian Seiko Hashimoto has been named president of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), marking the first time a woman has held this post. Her election, which took place last week, sees her succeed Yasuhiro Yamashita, who led the organisation for three terms.

Hashimoto’s appointment brings a wealth of athletic experience to the role. She competed in seven Olympic Games: three as a cyclist in the Summer Games (1988, 1992, and 1996), and four as a speedskater in the Winter editions (1984, 1988, 1992, and 1994). She claimed a bronze medal in speedskating at the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics.

Currently serving as a member of Japan’s upper house of parliament, Hashimoto has held several ministerial positions with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. In 2021, she took the helm of the Tokyo Olympic Organising Committee, stepping in after Yoshiro Mori resigned amid backlash over sexist remarks.

According to local media, she recently met with outgoing International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, who encouraged Japan to consider hosting the Olympics again. She expressed her belief in the JOC’s mission to bid again to host the Olympics and Paralympics.

The Tokyo Olympics, eventually held in 2021 after a year’s delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were marred by escalating costs and later, a bid-rigging scandal. That controversy ultimately led to Sapporo dropping its bid for the 2030 Winter Games.

Her leadership is expected to come under close observation as the JOC navigates its future direction.