Para Sailor Spotlight - Q&A with Ryo Sasaki

Ryo Sasaki, 25, will be competing in the 2022 World Para Sailing Championships in Hiroshima 20-23 October. After contracting encephalitis in the first grade of elementary school, Ryo’s life significantly changed: he could not speak, write or walk.

He had always loved speed, so tried wheelchair racing, but found he could not be competitive due to his inability to move his arms and legs.

At 15 years old he found sailing – the Hansa – and has never looked back.

Now, in this critical year for the reinstatement of sailing into the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Ryo is counting down to representing his home country in just five months.

Why do you think Para Sailing is unique?

Para Sailing is inclusive for everyone – men and women of all ages and with disabilities – and especially for me with the servo system on the Hansa Liberty. On land, I can hardly hold my body stable in my wheelchair, but in the boat with a joystick I can move freely, enjoy the speed – and I can ultimately win races.

I hate to lose, so thankfully I’ve been mostly winning – or placing second – in domestic races. I’m a major fan of the strategy board game Othello – this same strategic thinking is fundamental to competing in sailing.

When you look back at your career, what do you consider to be your biggest achievement so far?

Generally speaking I don’t get nervous. Four years ago, when I took the role of declaring the Hansa Class World Championships in Hiroshima open I actually enjoyed it.

There are many things I can’t do, but my disability has opened the way for me to meet Hansa athletes, coaches and the volunteers who make up this community – my motto is to keep finding what I can do, rather than count on what I can’t do.

Who’s been your biggest supporter?

I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family. I am very grateful to my family and coaches!

What’s your biggest strength?

My biggest strength now used to be my biggest weakness – the lack of aggressiveness to evolve. I used to be satisfied with the races I was able to sail in, while many sailors worked hard to customise rigging and fitting out the boat for every race.

I’ve since mastered English in order to ask Chris Mitchell, the designer of the Hansa class boat, how I can best equip by boat for races, and be part of online discussion forums.

What would it mean to you if sailing was re-established as a Paralympic sport?

The Paralympic Games is the pinnacle – seeing sailing reinstated in the Games at LA28, and being chosen to compete, would be my greatest repayment to those who have supported me all this time.

You’ve represented your country many times. What does that mean to you?

Sailing Hansa fills me with absolute joy and my goal for the upcoming World Championships in Hiroshima is to be the best I can be – I will happy with any colour of medal.

No matter what situations I find myself in, sailing always opens a precious new page in my life!