While many Japanese athletes have taken a long break after the Paris Olympics, men's wrestling gold medalists Nao Kusaka and Kotaro Kiyooka spent the fall in Germany competing against some of the world's best.
In the Bundesliga team competition, wrestlers train on weekdays and have matches on weekends.
Olympic Greco-Roman 77-kilogram champion Kusaka won all six of his matches in the 80-kg category, while 65-kg freestyle gold medalist Kiyooka went 5-1 in his 66- to 75-kg matches.
"It was an amazing atmosphere and changed the way I look at the world," Kusaka said. "I experienced what other Japanese wrestlers can't experience. I want to lead the way for Japanese wrestling."
Kusaka, 24, and Kiyooka, 23, felt the toughness of Bundesliga wrestlers.
The two also became more aware of their new fame as Olympic champions, as they were asked by many fans to sign autographs.
"I'm glad I experienced this shortly after the Olympics," said Kiyooka, whose only loss came in his first Bundesliga match. "I have to become a better wrestler."
The two men will try to retain their Olympic titles in 2028 in Los Angeles.
The first hurdle toward that goal is the world championships in September 2025 in Zagreb.
"I must have the spirit of a champion, but I also have the spirit of a challenger," Kiyooka said. "I'll aim high without forgetting where I started."
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Olympics: Japan breaks new ground while playing to strengths in Paris
Olympics: Japan's Kiyooka, Kagami do freestyle wrestling gold double
