Iwao Aizawa

While still attending high school at the age of 19, Iwao Aizawa equaled the Japanese record of 10.8 in the 100 metres. In 1927, he enrolled in Kyoto Imperial University and improved the national record to 10.7. In the same year, he equaled the 200 metre record of 21.9, winning the national title. One year later, he set a new record of 21.6 for 200 metres and took both the 100 and 200 at the Japanese Championships. Aizawa qualified for the Amsterdam Olympics but did not advance from the first round in either event. After the Olympics, he joined the Waseda University Race Club and participated in the Summer Student World Championships held in Paris. In 1931 he graduated and joined Hankyu Railway, but soon was transferred to Hankyu Department Store. During World War II he was promoted to Army Chief of Staff. After the end of the war, he died of malaria in the US military hospital in New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, part of Metro-Manila.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.7 (1927); 200 – 21.6 (1928).