Rikako Ikee was named the “MVP” of the year by the Japanese Swimming Federation.
Ikee, 18, had a dominant year in the pool from start to finish.
It started at the Japan Open in April where she set national records in each of her events. Ikee won the 50 free in 24.21, the 100 free in 53.03, the 50 fly in 25.43 and the 100 fly in 56.38.
She then competed in another Japan Open a month later, winning the same event and breaking her own national record in the 50 fly (25.25).
That set her up for the Pan Pacific Championships, hosted in her home country.
She won the silver medal in the 200-meter freestyle, finishing behind Canada’s Taylor Ruck and ahead of Katie Ledecky. Her time was 1:54.85, breaking the national record as well as the Asian record.
She won four titles at the Asian Games and also four relay medals, finishing with eight medals, including six gold, to become the first female to earn the swimmer of the meet.
Read the full Japanese Federation statement here.