Shock for Japan: Gymnastics Captain Shoko Miyata Withdraws from Paris Games

Shoko Miyata, the 19-year-old captain of the Japan women's artistic gymnastics team, has withdrawn from the Paris Games after violating the team's code of conduct by smoking. The violation was confirmed following an investigation, and hopes had been high for a team medal at the Games.

Shoko Miyata, the 19-year-old captain of the Japan women's artistic gymnastics team, has officially withdrawn from the squad for the Paris Games following a violation of the team's code of conduct by smoking, the Japanese Gymnastics Association announced on Friday.

Miyata returned to Japan on Thursday after departing the team's training camp in Monaco to undergo an investigation, which validated the violation, JGA officials revealed during a press conference in Tokyo. The Japan women's gymnastics team had been aiming for a team medal in the Paris Games, a feat not achieved since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Miyata, who had secured her spot for Paris with a third consecutive NHK trophy in May, was poised to lead a group of first-time Olympians and teenage athletes. Artistic gymnastics remains a marquee event, scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 5 during the Summer Games.