Name Reika Utsugi | Role Softball Player | |
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Reika Utsugi (宇津木 麗華, Utsugi Reika) (born Beijing, June 1, 1963) is a Japanese softball player who played 3rd base. Originally from China, she was naturalised as a Japanese citizen in 1995. She played in the Japanese teams that won the silver medal in the 2000 Summer Olympics, and the bronze medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
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Naturalisation
Utsugi's original name was Ren Yanli, and was born in Beijing. Against her father's wishes, she arrived in Japan in 1998 and played for Hitachi Takasaki, which was managed by Taeko Utsugi. She took her manager's name when she naturalised in 1995, becoming Reika Utsugi. Utsugi could not participate in the 1996 Summer Olympics as a Japanese representative, despite being naturalised in 1995. The regulations in the Olympic charter required China to give her permission to play for Japan, as she had changed her nationality within three years of an Olympic event. China refused, realising the competitive threat that Utusgi posed. Hence, Utsugi's first Olympic appearance for Japan was in the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Retirement
Since retiring as an athlete she has managed the softball team of Renesas Electronics. She currently manages Bic Camera Takasaki, and has managed the Japan women's national softball team since 2011, leading them to two world titles.