Wrestler Makoto Sasamoto vows to compete gold

Makoto Sasamoto of Japan is proclaimed victor in the Men's Greco-Roman Wrestling 60kg final classification round at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. (Photo credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, July 25) -- Japanese wrestler Makoto Sasamoto has participated in two consecutive Olympic Games and is hoping to compete in a third. Fighting through a knee injury, Makoto has refused to give up training and has vowed to compete for gold at the Beijing Olympic Games in the Men’s 60kg weight division.

Makoto and other five wrestlers are currently undergoing intensive training at Nagano Wrestling Training Base. “Attending two Olympic Games, I’ve got some happiness and also some regrets,” he said. “I have the confidence to win.”

Makoto Sasamoto, additional info:

Height: 163cm

Weight: 69kg

Birthplace: Tokyo

Performance record:

Eighth place, 2000 Sydney Olympic Games

Fifth place, 2004 Athens Olympic Games

Second place, 2007 World Wrestling Championships