When Sydney resident Tsuneari Yahiro wore green and gold to represent Australia in karate at the Tokyo Olympics last year, the Japanese community of Australia were elated.
It was the the first time for karate to appear in the Olympics, and possibly the last.
Mr Yahiro competed in the 75kg kumite division.
Although he could not bring home a medal, Mr Yahiro says, to have achieved his goal of "going to the Olympics" was enough to retire without regrets.
In fact, the decision to retire was already made back in 2016, but with the opportunity to compete in what was going to be possibly the first and last Olympics, he had to extend his plans.
"I am completely burnt out, and have no regrets"
After enjoying some time off, Mr Yahiro relocated to Vietman to pursue a new career in the area of foreign direct investment (FDI).
Although it is a completely different field to karate, Mr Yahiro says the sport has taught him, that "there is no shortcut to success". He is working hard everyday to achieve his personal growth.
Mr Yahiro says he has found "the next challenging place to fight".
Former Olympian, now taking on a new challenge in Vietnam Credit: Tsuneari Yahiro
Although karate is not included in the upcoming Paris games in 2024, Los Angeles, the host city of the 2028 Olympics, recently announced karate as one of the "additional events" which the host city can propose.
The decision will be made next year, and Mr Yahiro is looking forward for karate to get another boost.
Next year on September 21, Japan and Vietnam will celebrate their 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
As a Japanese living in Vietnam and as an Australian, Mr Yahiro is hoping to contribute in some way to the special celebration.
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