Japanese Speed Skater Tatsuya Shinhama Hurt in Traffic Accident During Training

Tatsuya Shinhama, a 28-year-old speed skater from Japan, disclosed on Saturday that he suffered significant injuries from a traffic accident during his training session. The incident took place on Wednesday on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, and he is presently receiving treatment at a hospital in Tokyo. In his Instagram post, Shinhama mentioned that he sustained injuries primarily to his face and knee, but emphasized that he is fully conscious and feeling okay.

He shared a photo of himself in the hospital and reassured fans that he will be undergoing further check-ups and surgeries as needed to ensure a proper recovery. The athlete is known for holding the Japanese record in the men's 500 meters and has been performing well, having won a race during the current World Cup season while ranking third overall. With the 2026 Winter Olympics approaching on February 6, Shinhama expressed his commitment to returning to the ice as swiftly as possible.