Japan’s top female gymnast and team captain, Shoko Miyata, has been removed from the Paris Olympic team due to allegations of underage smoking, a clear violation of the Japan Gymnastics Association (JGA)'s code of conduct. This decision comes as a significant blow to the Japanese women’s gymnastics team, given Miyata’s recent achievements and her crucial role as a pivotal member of the squad.

Miyata, 19, was dismissed from an Olympic preparation camp in Monaco following the allegations. The legal smoking age in Japan is 20, making her actions a breach of national law and JGA regulations. Her absence was conspicuous during a practice session in Monaco, which was open to the media. When questioned about her absence, training director Hikaru Tanaka stated, “Due to circumstances, she is not participating today,” as reported by the Japanese publication, The Mainichi.

JGA officials confirmed that Miyata returned to Japan on Thursday after the investigation at the training camp in Monaco validated the allegations of smoking and also revealed incidents of alcohol consumption. As a result, the JGA has decided that the women’s gymnastics squad will compete with four athletes instead of five in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

During a media conference, JGA President Tadashi Fujita, along with other officials including Miyata’s personal coach Mutsumi Harada, issued a heartfelt apology, bowing deeply as a gesture of remorse. “We apologize from the bottom of our hearts for this,” Fujita said.

The exclusion of Miyata is particularly impactful given her recent dominant performances in Japan’s most prestigious domestic competitions. Earlier this year, she triumphed at the All-Japan Championships and the NHK Trophy, securing her place in the Paris Olympics. Miyata’s accolades also include a bronze medal on the balance beam at the 2022 World Championships, underscoring her importance to the team. Her absence is a significant setback for the Japanese women’s team, which had been aspiring to win their first team Olympic medal since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

The JGA has yet to announce Miyata’s official replacement. However, two-time Olympian Aiko Sugihara, who narrowly missed making the Paris team, has been training alongside the Japanese squad and is a likely candidate to step in. Sugihara’s experience and skills could prove invaluable in maintaining the team’s competitive edge.

The situation contrasts sharply with the Japanese men’s gymnastics team, which enters the Paris Olympics as the gold medal favorites. Led by reigning world all-around champion Daiki Hashimoto, the men’s team has a significant difficulty advantage over rivals such as China and the United States. The Japanese men have consistently performed well in recent Olympics, medaling in the team event at the last three Games.

The JGA’s decision to send Miyata home and the subsequent apology highlight the organization’s strict adherence to conduct codes and its commitment to maintaining discipline and integrity within the sport. The focus now shifts to how the women’s team will adapt to this sudden change and whether they can still achieve their Olympic aspirations without their top gymnast and team captain.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the spotlight will not only be on the athletes' performances but also on how teams handle unforeseen challenges and uphold the values of sportsmanship and discipline. The Japanese women’s gymnastics team faces a daunting task ahead, but with resilience and determination, they will strive to overcome this setback and honor their legacy on the world stage. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding high standards both inside and outside the sporting arena, as the actions of one individual can profoundly impact the collective efforts and dreams of the entire team.