Swiss National Athletics Team made a Courtesy Call to our President

On September 8, 17 representatives of the Swiss national team (out of a total of 46 athletes and staff members) competing in the "Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships," to be held from September 13 to 21, paid a courtesy visit to President Nagata Kyosuke of University of Tsukuba.

In his welcome remarks, President Nagata highlighted that this is the third time the Swiss national team has chosen the University of Tsukuba for their pre-camp training, and he praised the athletes for their outstanding achievements to date. Expressing his hopes that the camp would lead to medal-winning performances, he also offered words of encouragement in Switzerland's official languages.

Following this, Mr. Philipp Bandi, the team director, introduced the athletes in attendance. Among them were Ms. Ditaji Kambundji (Women's 100m Hurdles), Ms. Annik K?lin (Women's Long Jump and Heptathlon), and Mr. Simon Ehammer (Men's Long Jump and Decathlon)—all of whom are expected to perform strongly at the world championships.

Mr. Bandi expressed gratitude for the excellent training environment provided by the University and extended appreciation to the faculty, staff, and students who supported the team's preparation.

During the exchange of gifts, the Swiss team presented President Nagata with a traditional red cow figurine from Switzerland and a special team uniform signed by the athletes. The visit concluded with a commemorative group photo.

Finally, the session closed with a cheer of "Ganbare, Swiss!" led by Professor Yamada Shinzo, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Physical Education and Sports.

The Swiss delegation has been arriving in Tsukuba since September 6 and has commenced its pre-camp training at the University Athletics Field. Some athletes and staff will remain in the city until the opening day of the Championships on September 13. The University sincerely wishes the Swiss team the best of success and outstanding achievements at the World Championships.