Rikako Ikee Continues Strong Return From Leukemia, “Surprised” Herself With Fast 50

Rikako Ikee lets the media take a peak at her return to practice ahead of a race return in October, pandemic allowing - Photo Courtesy: Kyodo News/Rikako Ikee

Rikako Ikee is competing in the Japan Student Swimming Championships this week, just her second swim meet back after beginning her battle with leukemia.

After nearly 10 months of hospital care and treatment, she returned to the water a month ago. With more training, this week, she finished fourth in the 50 free in 25.62, dropping nearly a second from her first competition back last month.

Runa Imai won the race in 24.93, a meet record and the second-fastest Japanese time in history — second to Ikee’s 24.21 in 2018.

In the men’s race, Masahiro Kawane won in 22.19. Results here.

But all eyes were on Ikee.

Ikee, the 2018 Asian Games MVP, was interviewed by The Olympic Channel after the race and said, “I was happy to be here competing and that I swam in under 26 seconds. I kept it to myself but my goal for this meet was a 25.8 – and I did it in the heats. I’m really glad I achieved my goal.”

Emma McKeon, Maggie McNeil, Sarah Sjostrom – ‘fly aces send heartfelt wishes and pay tribute to the absent Rikako Ikee on the podium at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju – Photo Courtesy: Becca Wyant

Ikee has been supported by the swimming community since the news of her diagnosis. At the 2019 World Championships, competitors from around the world honored her with messages on their hands.

Ikee, the Japanese record holder in the 100 and 200 free and the 50 and 100 butterfly, has worked hard to regain her strength during her comeback.

“Everyone was telling me I look different, that I put on muscle,” Rikako Ikee told The Olympic Channel.” “I was stronger than I realized. I was lifting two times a week and I think it’s paying off.”

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— 池江璃花子 (@rikakoikee) September 21, 2020

“I surprised myself. I’m still more than a full second off my record but I’m happy I had my best time of the season today,” she said in the interview. “Before the last competition, I was more worried than excited to be swimming again. I almost felt embarrassed because I was so skinny. But today I was itching to go. I felt confident and just positive all around.”

Just being back in the water is a huge victory for Ikee right now.

“Where do I go from here?,” Rikako Ikee said in the interview. “Just enjoy swimming to the fullest and work hard every day. That’s what’s important for me at this point in time.”

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