Japanese women’s national team star, Saori Kimura has play in her final competitive volleyball match this past Sunday. Kimura’s retirement comes at a loss, with her club team in Japan, Toray Arrows, being defeated by NEC Red Rockets in a V. Premier League playoff match.
Kimura made her first Olympic appearance at the 2004 Athens Games as a high schooler, having appeared in four straight Olympics including the 2012 London Games where the team took the bronze medal. For the 2016 Rio Games, Kimura was the captain for the Japan squad.
Just last year, Kimura was married, she is expected to hold a press conference at a later date – maybe even to appear in Japan’s All-Star match on March 25.
During her final match, Kimura had to leave the game early due to a cramp. Despite exiting the match early, she was able to lead Toray Arrows with 16 points.
“We made a really good start but couldn’t quite secure the points that were needed in the end,” said Kimura.
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