After the Big Event in Tokyo
The next step for Toray and Sani Brown

――The World Athletics Championships was held in Japan for the first time in 18 years. How do you feel, now that it’s over?

Ever since the announcement that the event would be held in Tokyo, I had been working with the desire to fill Japan’s National Stadium. In the end, many people came to the event, and the moment I stepped into the stadium, I got goosebumps. The Tokyo Olympics were held without spectators, but this time it felt like the thunderous cheering was directed at me, and I was truly grateful, and was reminded of the joy I felt in being able to run in my home country. I feel like the many different people I’ve met, and all that I have done, have all been worth it.

――Looking back on the competition, due to injuries this season, you ended up being eliminated during the 100 meters qualifying round, and were unable to advance to the finals for a third consecutive time. What are your thoughts on this result?

It’s still hard to accept. I was frustrated that I was eliminated in the semifinals at the Paris Olympics last year (*0.03 seconds behind the last qualifier). That’s why this year I was determined to aim higher, and wanted to give a satisfying performance in front of everyone in Japan.

The start did not go well. At the same time, other runners facing the same conditions had their own race structures, and accelerated firmly in the latter half. I couldn’t execute my planned race structure in the early phase (0-30m), and that opened a gap that I couldn’t close in the back half.

――Since the tournament was held in your home country, the expectations from those around you were undoubtedly higher than ever. What did you think of that?

I think that the expectations and support from those around me were only possible because of what I had achieved up to this point, so I was very grateful. Rather than pressure, I felt energized, like I had to work harder. I received a lot of cheers during the runner introductions before the race, and was able to enjoy the atmosphere.

――Switching focus, I want to ask about co-creation with Toray. In the two and a half years since you signed the global partnership agreement, has there been anything from your efforts with Toray that has left a particularly strong impression on you?

Every year, I visit Toray factories all over the country. I have opportunities to meet people working in the plants and local children, exchange opinions with researchers developing clothing for competitions and training, and experience things that I couldn’t through regular practice or competitions.

Also, during major competitions such as the World Athletics Championships, I always receive video messages from Toray employees, which encourage me and give me strength.

――When interacting with Toray employees, were there any times when something resonated with or inspired you?

While the actual items produced vary by factory, I feel like everyone shares the same desire to improve the material as much as possible. But I know that things don’t suddenly just get better. In the case of yarn, for example, researchers operate in a world of tenths of a millimeter, working out through trial and error how strong or thin they can make the strands. This is very similar to athletics. Athletes rarely just start running faster. The key point is continual, regular daily effort, and that aspect strongly resonates with me.

Whether in manufacturing or athletic competition, if you try various methods, and think you’ve taken a step forward, the next door opens and the world expands. That is a satisfying and enjoyable process. I’m sure everyone at Toray Industries has the same feeling.

――What was your impression of the Ehime factory that you visited in October 2025?

I was able to tour the laboratory, and have interesting experiences such as molding using carbon fiber. I was even able to hold a fishing rod and racket made of that material, and the texture and lightness were completely different from conventional products. I felt that with manufacturing, the more you explore the deeper you go, and there is no limit. I realized once again that there are still aspects of athletic competition for me to explore.

――You had an opportunity during this recent visit to meet and interact with children, such as participating in the Aozora Science School* organized by Toray in person for the first time, and visiting an elementary school near the Ehime plant. What did you gain from this opportunity?

It’s fun to be around children, and it always gives me a boost of energy. I had heard that the number of children exercising has decreased since the pandemic, and it made me happy to see them moving their bodies with such joy.

Many of the children asked simple questions such as “Where do you live?”, but some of them are very serious about track and field. Sometimes I get questions that I would have never considered when I was in elementary and junior high school, such as the technical aspects of running. I feel that it is my role to help such serious and dedicated children expand their possibilities.

――The life of athletic competition is one of repeated trial and error. Children may also hit a wall when taking on challenges in the future. What messages of support do you have for them?

I sometimes get injured during competitions, and I try various things, but it doesn’t always lead to good results. Still, I take the mindset that I just need to set small goals each day, and as I achieve them, I will ultimately reach the final goal. Don’t look too far ahead, and try to make progress, even if it’s just half a step forward each day. I think that’s the most important thing to achieve big goals.

――What is next for Sani Brown?

The goal of winning a gold medal at a world championship will never change. There have been world championships each year for five consecutive years since 2021, but next year there will be a cushion, so I’m thinking about what to work on in the lead up to the 2027 Beijing World Athletics Championships, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. I will consult with my coach and the people around me to make a solid plan and advance to the next step.

――This is a somewhat abstract question, but how do you currently perceive the “sense of distance” to a medal?

It doesn’t seem all that far away, but still just out of reach. That’s kind of the sense I have. I feel like I can just about grab it if I reach out my hand. Since the retirement of world record holder Usain Bolt, we’re in a situation where anyone can win the 100 meters. It’s a prickly and tense situation every time, but I think that’s more enjoyable than the winner being a foregone conclusion.

――What do you want to pursue in future co-creation with Toray?

Following the joint development of clothing last year, I would like to work on new initiatives for shoes in the future. Toray’s technology is the best in the world, and if we combine that with my feedback, I think we can create high-quality products. I would love to collaborate with the people at Toray and create better things together.

I would also like to expand opportunities to interact with children and local people. As an active athlete at the forefront of sport, I think that I can make an impact. While I am currently focused on competing, I receive support from so many people, and just producing a positive result doesn’t feel like it is enough to repay them. That’s why I want to go to as many places as possible and meet as many people as I can. I’d like to pursue such activities with Toray.