TOBA, Mie -- A vocational school teacher here has become the first in Japan to earn the "Gold Level" certification for racewalking judges, making him qualified to officiate at world competitions.

With the qualification granted by World Athletics in January, Hideo Yamada, 55, a professor at the National Institute of Technology, Toba College in the Mie Prefecture city of Toba, will participate as an assistant chief judge at the racewalking world championships to be held in Tokyo in September.

A native of Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture, Yamada began competing in track and field when he was in junior high school, and he has participated in a wide range of events from short-distance to long-distance races. After sustaining an injury in university, he shifted his focus to racewalking -- a sport he had been interested in since high school -- and transitioned to judging after retiring from races in his mid-20s.

In racewalking, judges assess athletes' form, ensuring that one foot is always in contact with the ground. They are required to assess the gait of each competitor and take a firm stand when making decisions.

After previously holding a "Silver Level" qualification, which allowed him to officiate at Asian competitions, Yamada took the advancement test for the "Gold Level" in November 2024. He passed an online examination involving video-based gait assessment, oral questions on handling various scenarios during competition, and a written test on rules and other topics.

"I feel a great sense of responsibility. I want to continue improving to contribute to the development of racewalking not only in Japan but globally," Yamada said.

Achieving the highest-rank certification also opened the door for him to participate in the World Athletics Championships, to be held in Japan for the first time in 18 years.

Since 2001, Yamada has been teaching physical education at the Toba College and has actively promoted track and field, with his students securing prizes in national competitions including those for high school students. "As a person involved in the management of the event, I want to create an environment where athletes can compete comfortably and make the world championships hosted by my country a success," said a determined Yamada.

(Japanese original by Yuki Kozawa, Ise Bureau)