At first it was very difficult to gain their support. My parents were very concerned about me entering this industry, especially my father, and they were quite skeptical about me succeeding. This was one of the main motivating factors in pursuing this career path, because it became a challenge for me to prove to them that I was capable of doing it. They were eventually extremely supportive and were truly my biggest fans

A lot of that just comes from my upbringing. I have a tremendous mother and father, I grew up in the church, I have a very religious family. I’m not all about myself just because I know if it wasn’t for God, I wouldn’t be able to go out there and compete anyway. So I never look at it as a selfish thing—I never want all the attention or want it to be about me, because I never want to get in to a situation where God has to humble me. I know for a fact that I am not doing it by myself; it is because of Him that I can compete over and over again. That’s basically how I grew up. I was blessed and fortunate to have a family like I have.

How I started athletics was like magic or something. I started when I was in primary school, back at home, where I used to do training in the school

I started at the age of six. My elder brother and sister were dabbling a bit, and then I went to my mother and pestered her to teach me as well.

My parents were not happy seeing me playing football but later when they saw that it was my talent, they started supporting me.

I started lessons when I was three and a half. In the beginning I just played a little but, when I was five, I played my first recital, and from that point my parents had high hopes for me; especially my father.

Yeah, I'm motivated. Because first of all, I play high-level sport. I don't want to disappoint my parents, who gave me the opportunity to do it, nor my country, nor my coach, who has been training me for 10 years, nor my staff. I know there are teams that follow me and encourage me. So this is my way of saying thank you. That's where I draw my determination.

My sister and I really showed an interest in [performing] and dedication, and [our mother] was like, 'How can I tell my kids no?' It's the same as kids that are going into sports. Parents support them and push them.

In high school, I convinced my parents to let me try wrestling. I loved how strong I felt and how difficult the workouts were. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. And it was one of the earliest examples I have of men and women being capable of the same kinds of things, no matter what anyone says.

I think it was obvious to my parents that I was going to be a performer one way or another and I’m incredibly grateful that they helped me find a disciplined, structured approach. I just love it, I always have, it’s a huge part of my life.

I was 20 years old and it wasn't easy then because I was still very young to be in the senior team. The coach I had then gave me lots of motivation and encouragement, and made me believe in myself.

It was hard for me but I kept pushing and my parents were most supportive of me.

My parents are super excited that they've produced an Olympian. I don’t think they ever would have imagined this would happen in a million years, so I hope I represent not only Team USA, but the Japanese-American culture and my family as well.

I am so motivated (by my family)