Masaji KIYOKAWA

Part of the dominant Japanese swimming team at the 1932 Olympics, Masaji Kiyokawa won a gold medal in the 100 m backstroke. The Japanese team was so strong in the event that they went 1-2-3, with Toshio Irie and Kentaro Kawatsu taking the other medals. Kiyokawa returned in 1936, but was unable to retain his title, settling for bronze instead. A former world record holder in the 400 m backstroke, Kiyokawa became the national team coach after the war. He also started a sports administration career, serving in the technical committee for swimming of FINA. In 1969, he became an IOC member, joining the executive board in 1975 and becoming the first Asian IOC vice-president (1979-1983). He was also involved in the Japanese bid for the 1988 Olympics to be held in Nagoya. Kiyokawa was also a successful businessman, rising to become CEO of the Kanematsu conglomerate.