Rikako Ikee takes time out from cancer treatment to visit Tokyo Disneyland
Japan's six-time Asian Games gold medallist continues treatment six months after being diagnosed with leukaemia
Swimming
Japanese swim star Rikako Ikee has taken time out from her treatment for leukaemia to go to Tokyo Disneyland.
The 19-year-old, who was diagnosed with the blood cancer in February, posted a photo on social media showing her sporting a pair of Minnie Mouse ears.
"I went to Disneyland yesterday. It was a very satisfying day because I've wanted to go forever." - Rikako Ikee on Instagram
Ikee was one of Japan's biggest hopes for Tokyo 2020 having won six gold medals at last year's Asian Games in Jakarta.
A Tokyo native, she was all set to be the poster girl for the Olympic Games before falling ill whilst training in Australia.
Earlier this month, her management company released a statement on Ikee's official website reading, "Right now we cannot tell you clearly when Ikee will return to competition. She will continue to focus on her treatment."
Turning 19
Ikee was treated to a surprise 19th birthday party in July on a temporary return from hospital.
On Twitter, she expressed her wish to have fresh cream again with her treatment currently forbidding it.
She added, "I was able to experience many good things when I was 18. Now I am 19, I wish to have many more good things and good days."
Her absence at last month's World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, prompted messages of support from her fellow swimmers including fellow cancer sufferer Nathan Adrian and the medallists in the 100m butterfly, Ikee's best event.