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Hiroatsu TakahashiJapanese skeleton racer
Date of Birth: 13.04.1984
Country:  Japan |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Breakthrough and International Success
- World Cup Debut and Olympic Participation
- Career Highlights
Early Life and Career
Hiroatsu Takahashi was born on April 13, 1984, in Tomiya, Miyagi, Japan. At the age of 20, he joined the prestigious "White Thunder" skeleton club, beginning his journey in the sport. In 2004, he made his international debut at the America's Cup in Calgary, Canada, placing 29th. The following year, he competed in the Universiade in Innsbruck, Austria, and the World Junior Championships in Winterberg, Germany, finishing 18th and 22nd, respectively.
Breakthrough and International Success
Takahashi experienced a breakthrough in 2008 when he qualified for the Japanese national team. He won a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships in Nagano and achieved his first top-10 finish in the America's Cup, placing ninth in Park City, USA. He finished eighth overall in the 2008/09 America's Cup standings.
In the 2009/10 season, Takahashi competed in the European Cup, finishing sixth overall. He earned a silver medal in the opening race in St. Moritz, Switzerland, but missed several subsequent races.
World Cup Debut and Olympic Participation
On November 27, 2010, Takahashi made his World Cup debut in Whistler, Canada, placing 21st. He achieved his best World Cup result in Winterberg, Germany, finishing 15th. He ended the season in 18th place overall, ahead of his Japanese teammate, Sinsuke Tayama. At the World Junior Championships in Nagano, Takahashi won the gold medal, while he finished 19th at the World Championships in Königssee, Germany.
Career Highlights
In the 2011/12 World Cup season, Takahashi improved his ranking, finishing 16th overall. He competed in all eight races and placed among the top 20 in each race, with his best result being a 12th-place finish in La Plagne, France.
At the 2012 World Championships in Lake Placid, USA, Takahashi finished 20th. In 2014, he represented Japan at the Sochi Winter Olympics and finished in 12th place.
