Japan Honors Kitajima -- November 4, 2003

TOKYO, Nov. 4. JAPAN's double world record-holder, Kosuke Kitajima, will be honored next week, on Japan's Cultural Day, with the Japanese Government Medal, a spokesman from the Prime Minister's office announced today.

The prestigious medal with purple ribbon -- the nation's highest civilian honor -- will be presented to Kitajima following an audience with Emperor Akihito on November 13rd.

Kitajima won gold both in the 100 and 200 meter breaststroke events at the World Championships in Barcelona last July, setting world records at both distances -- 59.78 seconds and 2:09.42, respectively.