３７課の読み物の本文の翻訳

The Japanese Runner Using 55 Years to Reach the Goal

Japanese started to attend Olympics from the 5th Olympic game in 1912 in Stockholm
(ストックホルム). People in Japan did not really know what was Olympics at that time.
Japanese held a tryout for marathon in Olympics. A 20 years old student won by using only 2
hours 32 minutes 45 seconds. This was leading the world record for 27 minutes. The student
is called Shizo Kanaguri.
Shizo Kanaguri was chosen to be the representative of Japan in the Olympic. As he
did not have enough money to go to Stockholm. After asking for sponsorship from his
friends and older brother, he could finally attend the marathon competition. He was
thought that he might be able to win the game. However, the day of the game, 14 th July, was
a typically hot day. He started feeling unwell soon.
Although he had been drinking water and pouring water on his head, he passed out
in 32km. A nice people who was living nearby helped him. Kanaguri rested in that people’s
home. The following day, Kanaguri felt better and went back to the hotel where Japanese
players were staying. “The disappearing Japanese” became a news in Sweden. When people
who had been trying there best to find Kanaguri saw him, they were all very happy.
However, Kanaguri felt embarrassed.
In 1957, 75 years old Kanaguri was invited to go to Stockholm again. There were a lot
of people welcoming Kanaguri. He walked slowly in front of everyone and reached the goal.
There were broadcasts in the Arena said, “Mr. Kanaguri, Japanese, reached the goal by using
55 years… Now, all the competitions in Stockholm are done.” Kanaguri said that that was a
long competition as he could have 5 grandchildren.