Company: NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation Country: JAPAN Section: OLYMPIC GAME - OLYMPIC SPIRIT Discipline: Speed Skaitng Year: 2018 Director: Naoki Nakagawa Editing: Kenji Watanabe Photos: Kenta Kondo Producer: Yohei Ogura, Tasuku Matsuzaki CoProducer: NHK Time: 49 min
Synopisis
In the run-up to the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, the Japanese women’s team pursuit speed skating team won three out of three World Cup competitions, making them the favorite to win Olympic gold. Featuring three-member teams, the 2400-meter team pursuit event requires strategic changes in order to control how long any one skater stays at the head of the line, where wind pressure is strongest. The race for gold came down to a duel between Japan and the traditionally dominant Dutch team. Japan’s hopes lay with two secret weapons: total alignment and rapid leader exchange. This program uses video and cutting-edge computer simulation technology to thoroughly analyze Japan’s strategy and performance, providing a gripping record of team members’ dedication and sacrifice as they raced for Olympic gold.