Naoko Takahashi (Takahashi Naoko, born May 6, 1972 in Gifu, Japan) is a Japanese long-distance runner competing mainly in the marathon. She is widely known for her victory in the women's marathon at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, a performance that held the Olympic record until 2012 in London. At the 2001 Berlin Marathon, Takahashi became the first woman to break the 2 hour 20 minute barrier while setting a world record. In the women's marathon event (and not counting multiple records set by the same athlete), she still holds the 7th best time and the 3rd best Japanese marathon performance behind Yoko Shibui (2:19:41) and Mizuki Noguchi (2:19:12). She is related to former Morning Musume leader Hitomi Yoshizawa. She announced her retirement in October 2008.
Following her retirement the Gifu Seiryu Half Marathon was launched in 2011 with the honorary title being the Naoko Takahashi Cup. She serves as the chairman for the race.
Takahashi Naoko no Marathon Shiyouyo! is a marathon running game simulation featuring the long-distance champion Takahashi Naoko. In the game your goal is to train the athletes in your sports club to become professional marathon runners, you can set 3 different goals, include championship in the Olympics, achievement of world record and become the best world class club team.
Ms Takahashi headlines Taito's new marathon running simulator from Taito but actual runners from all nations may be chosen as your onscreen sprinters. Yoshio Koide, Hisako's coach, also appears in the game and gives advice, training parameters and encouragement.
Once the game begins, players assemble a troupe of runners and train them with ardent exercises, practice and conditioning. Stamina and speed are requisite qualities for a marathon runner and you'll find yourself building these up in your team members. Sponsors may be solicited to support your team's efforts and their logos will appear on clothing and other paraphernalia.
Runner animations are realistic and rather good. For example, at the start of a race, the lineup of runners are seen shaking their arms and legs to loosen their muscles. They'll also jump up and down to limber up for the upcoming race. The game is fairly involved and in Japanese so we'd recommend this game only for hardened marathon lovers capable of reading Katakana.
MANUFACTURER'S DESCRIPTION:
Marathon game Yoshio Koide supervision of name coaches and players Takahashi Naoko "Q-chan" this is full cooperation us with advice and appeared in various scenes! It has to express the movement and realistic nature, and fully taste also look forward to. Established a sports club, while club management as a land owner and director, Let's nurture the players rich personality.
FEATURES:
- Third person perspective.
- 3D graphics
- Cartoon graphics
- Marathon themes.
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