Best of 2014: Japan's hot streak

Today’s top moment is really a succession of standout performances put together by Japan’s small but mighty athletes. Starting in Yokohama, Ai Ueda became the second Japanese athlete to podium at the WTS race, alongside Juri Ide, claiming her first WTS career medal in the process. It was also the first time since 2009 that Japan climbed up to take home a WTS medal.

Then in Chicago, Ide, who had been the only Japanese athlete to score a WTS medal before Ueda’s performance in Yokohama, excelled under hot and humid weather to return to the WTS podium for the first time in five years. Despite soaring temperatures, an excellent swim and bike and an equally impressive run saw Ide clench the final podium spot. 

Fast forward three months to Asian Games and the Japanese scored an assortment of hardware, going 1-2 in both the men’s and women’s triathlon and also winning the Mixed Relay.

To top it off, the Japanese women again swept the top two medals, while the men joined them in winning the picking up another Mixed Relay title the same day. Look out folks, we don’t think these athletes are planning on slowing down with Tokyo 2020 looming in the distance!