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JAPAN

Konishiki the Dump Truck: Grand Sumo’s First Foreign-Born Ozeki (Part 2)

Just after he became eligible for promotion to the second-highest rank “Ozeki,” tragedy struck. During a bout against Ozeki Kitao (who went on to become the 60th Yokozuna Futahaguro), Konishiki attempted to lift him, was counterattacked, and their combined weight (881 pounds) fell squarely on his right knee – damaging the ligaments and breaking bones.  Watch the bout between Konishiki and Kitao by clicking here.  Following his injury, Konishiki had to sit out the next two tournaments and was demoted to the lowest rank, Hiramaku. Unfortunately, this resulted in a vicious cycle: less training resulted in weight gain and prolonged his recovery. Because his right knee never fully healed, his performances were highly inconsistent. Whenever he could use his...

JAPAN

Konishiki the Dump Truck: Grand Sumo’s First Foreign-Born Ozeki (Part 1)

Born and raised in Hawaii, Saleva’a Fuauli Atisano’e grew up in a modest household and was a devout Christian. Throughout his early education, he maintained honors, demonstrated outstanding abilities in math, and excelled in swimming, track and field, and basketball. After transferring to the University Laboratory School at 15 years old, he served as the offensive lineman of the school’s football team. During his...