Katsuo Takaishi

Katsuo Takaishi graduated from the Faculty of Commerce of Waseda University. He was married to former Japanese freestyle record holder Minako Nagai. He failed to medal at the 1924 Olympics, but won one silver and one bronze medal four years later. Initially selected to represent Japan at the 1932 Olympics, he eventually failed to qualify. In 1925 he won the first Japanese Championship ever held in the 400 m freestyle. In 1926 and 1927 he captured the national titles in the 200 and in 1930 in the 100 m freestyle.

Takaishi was the Japanese record holder over 50 m, 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m and 1500 m freestyle. At the Far Eastern Games, he won three titles in 1923 and four in 1925 over various distances. He won the 100 m at the 8th National Swimming Competition in 1923, another four championship titles in 1925, three each in 1926 and 1927 and again the 100 m title in 1930.

At the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Takaishi acted as general manager for the Japanese swimming team. He also served as chairman of the Japan Swimming Federation and was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon. Professionally, he was in the banking business as president of the Kinki Sangyo.