Kobayashi Michiko’s Journey From Therapy Swims To World Records

Virtus wishes people with Down Syndrome around the world a very Happy World Down Syndrome Day. As the world celebrates World Down Syndrome Day, Virtus will be shining a spotlight on some of our remarkable athletes who continue to defy expectations and inspire the global sports community.

Kobayashi Michiko, a swimmer from the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ has made waves at the 2023 Virtus Global Games with her extraordinary achievements. Hailing from Fukui, Japan, Michiko grew up in a supportive family alongside her parents and older sister. Reflecting on her biggest cheerleaders, she says,

“My father and the members of my local para-swimming team have been my greatest supporters. Their encouragement has helped me push my limits.”

Admiration for fellow swimmer Ayako Morishita played a key role in her motivation. She was ‘amazed’ when she saw Ayako swimming the 200-meter butterfly for the first time and realised that ‘swimmers with Down syndrome have the strength to compete on the world stage’.

Born with a heart condition, Michiko took up swimming as a child to improve her health and physical strength. Her passion for the sport grew, and as she progressed in her training, she found excitement in collecting badges at her local swimming school. “I love the feeling of being in the water. My body feels lighter and free,” she shares.

Like many athletes, Michiko faced challenges along the way. She explains,

“Sometimes, when my coach gives instructions with words, I don’t always understand. Watching videos makes it easier for me to follow.”

She also faced negative attitudes from others due to her appearance and slower movements, but she never let that discourage her. “I always had friends, teachers, and family who supported me with warmth and encouragement,” she says with gratitude.

Virtus competitions have played a vital role in Michiko’s journey, allowing her to race against some of the fastest II2 athletes in the world. At the 2023 Virtus Global Games (GG2023), Michiko stunned the world by breaking the World Record in women’s II2 100m breaststroke event twice in a row. She swam a time of 1:42.69 sec in the heats to set the first record and later broke her own record in the finals clocking an impressive time of 1:39.86 seconds. She also set the record for 200m Breaststroke with a timing of 3:41.82 sec, winning two gold medals. Reflecting on her achievement, she says,

“I never imagined setting a world record. Before the race, my father told me, ‘You’ve done everything you can, now just swim your best.’ That gave me the confidence I needed.”

Competing in GG2023 as part of the Japanese national team in the II2 category was a thrilling experience for her. The event’s energetic atmosphere and vibrant opening ceremony in Vichy left a lasting impression, especially ‘the citywide parade and the opening ceremony at the grand opera house were unforgettable’ for her.

She is now setting her sights on the 2026 Virtus Asian-Oceania Regional Games in Thailand and the 2027 Virtus Global Games in Cairo. Her next challenge? “I don’t have the world record in the 50m breaststroke yet, so my goal is to shave off another second,” she says determinedly.

Beyond the pool, Michiko’s ultimate goal in life is simple yet profound: “To stay healthy and dedicate myself to what interests me.”

On this special day, Michiko shares a heartfelt message for young athletes with Down syndrome:

“I am so happy to have found swimming, a sport I can truly immerse myself in. I have met friends from all over the world who share the same goals. I hope you also enjoy your favourite sport and keep moving toward your dreams.”

With her unwavering spirit, determination, and love for swimming, Kobayashi Michiko is not just making waves in the pool—she is making history.