Tokyo 2020 committee picks Olympian Hashimoto as new president

Reeling from predecessor Mori's sexist remarks, organizers opt for female chief

Seiko Hashimoto, the newly appointed president of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics organizing committee, speaks to the media on Feb. 18. (Pool photo)

FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writer

February 18, 2021 11:56 JST

Updated on February 18, 2021 19:08 JST

TOKYO -- The Tokyo 2020 executive board has appointed Seiko Hashimoto, 56, as president of the beleaguered Olympic organizing committee, succeeding Yoshiro Mori after his resignation over sexism.

Hashimoto, a seven-time Olympian, on Thursday said she made the "serious decision" to accept the role as a way of repaying the Japan Olympic Committee and International Olympic Committee for their support during her competitive days.