Tomomi OKAZAKI

In Japan, Tomomi Okazaki became known for her bright smile after winning a bronze medal in the 500 m at the Nagano Winter Olympics (1998). This performance also ranks as her top achievement, although Okazaki also won three bronze medals in the 500 m at the World Single Distance Championships (1996, 1998 and 1999). She was close to a second Olympic medal in Torino, falling just outside the podium after a third place in the first of two runs. A relatively mediocre 1000 m racer, Okazaki has never placed higher than sixth (1999) at the World Sprint Championships, but she's done well in the 500 m, placing second in the 500 m World Cup twice, and winning 11 World Cup races over that distance. She competed at her fifth Olympics in Vancouver and beared the Japanese flag at the Opening Ceremony as the first Japanese women to take part in five consecutive Olympics.

Personal Bests: 500 – 37.73 (2005); 1000 – 1:15.19 (2005); 1500 – 2:00.25 (2006); 3000 – 4:37.10 (2002).