Japanese women reach table tennis final

saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

I wonder if Fukuhara-san isn't the little girl who was a celebrity all over Japanese TV fifteen or so years ago because of her ping-pong prowess? I would say so! I just remember her being called "Ai-chan". Go for the gold, girls!

Saaaa! I hope Fukuhara doesn't pop a vein during the game, as it's her first actual chance after.... what... three Olympics?... of winning a medal. I still remember when she was the flag bearer and the media and JOC said she would win gold, and she went down in flames. The media put far too much pressure on her, and now they seem to be a little hesitant, which is good.

Good luck to the Japanese team. As much as I rip on Fukuhara it would be nice to see her walk away with a gold for a change.

Congratulations to the women and good luck in the final. I could understand the tears of joy shed amongst all team members. Hirano herself said that this would be her last chance as she is the elder stateswoman among her team members and feel that this would be her last Olympics. To go out with some medal and to be anywhere on the podium would be the best feeling for her. Aichan said the same thing.

congratulations girls! an automatic silver medal in the Olympics is already a great achievement at this point of the games. Best of luck on the finals!