KUROKI Akane

General
TRAGIC LESSON
She chose not to compete in the Japanese national team trials for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo as she felt her horse Zuidenwind was not in full health despite passing an inspection. She had felt guilty about the death of her previous horse Toots, who had to receive treatment from a vet shortly before the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia after travelling from Europe. She competed on Toots and won gold in the team event at the Games, but the horse died six months later. "Toots had not been in the best condition before the 2018 Asian Games. However, I pretended not to see it and took him to Jakarta, where it was hot. Likewise this time, I almost pretended the discomfort in Zuidenwind's limbs would be fine, it wasn't the same situation. But I didn't want to forget that Toots gave his life to teach me a lesson. I didn't want to neglect Zuidenwind as I did with Toots. I want Zuidenwind to be my partner for as long as possible. I want him to feel content while being ridden by me, so I gave up my biggest dream, the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. I believe that I will always now be able to make the best choice for the horses." (number, 23 Aug 2021)

BUSINESS
She began her professional career as a radiologist after graduating from Kobe Medical College in Japan. In 2012 she established a nursing facility in Japan, and has served as chief executive officer of the business. "After the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, I wanted to learn more in Europe, but I had to figure out how to do it financially. That's the reason I decided to run my own business." (kobe-np, 28 Apr 2022; Instagram profile, 15 Dec 2021; nikkansports, 16 Jul 2020; Cyber Sports Channel YouTube channel, 27 Apr 2020; hochi, 21 Dec 2019; academydressage, 18 Feb 2016)