Shoko Miyata, the 19-year-old captain of Japan's Olympic women's gymnastics team and reigning national champion, was withdrawn from the 2024 Paris Olympics after violating the team's code of conduct by smoking and drinking alcohol, which are illegal for under-20s in Japan.
Miyata was caught during a training camp in Monaco and sent home, resulting in Japan competing with four gymnasts instead of five, potentially affecting their chances of earning their first women's gymnastics team medal since the 1964 Tokyo Games.
The Japan Gymnastics Association confirmed Miyata's withdrawal, with officials apologizing and acknowledging the immense pressure she faced, which led to her actions.
An investigation is underway, and Miyata will be interviewed upon returning to Japan.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
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