Photo credit: Shoko Miyata Instagram

In a surprising turn of events just a week before the Paris Olympics, Shoko Miyata, the 19-year-old captain of Japan's women's gymnastics team, has withdrawn from the national squad. The Japan Gymnastics Association (JGA) revealed on Friday that Miyata stepped down after admitting to smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, which goes against the team's strict code of conduct.

The controversy began earlier this week when the JGA received reports about Miyata's behavior. Upon investigation, the young gymnast admitted to the allegations, revealing that she had smoked in her private time and consumed alcohol at the National Training Center in Tokyo in late June and July. This prompted the JGA to recall her from the team's training camp in Monaco and subsequently decide on her removal from the team.

According to JGA officials, the code of conduct explicitly prohibits smoking and drinking during team activities, regardless of age. This rule is strictly enforced to maintain discipline and focus within the team, and Miyata’s actions were deemed a violation of these standards.

JGA Chairman Tadashi Fujita expressed his regret, saying, "I offer my sincere apologies for the trouble caused by Miyata. I'm very sorry." Executive Kenji Nishimura added that Miyata seemed distressed and cited pressure to perform well as a factor in her actions. Before the news broke, Miyata had posted a video on social media expressing her determination to lead the team effectively, but that post was removed following the announcement.

The decision to remove Miyata from the team has sparked some debate. Notable figures like Dai Tamesue, a former Olympic hurdler, have criticized the severity of the action, suggesting that while Miyata's behavior was problematic, her removal might be too harsh.

Aiko Sugihara, a reserve for the women’s team, was initially considered a possible replacement for Miyata, but the JGA decided against this move. The team will still compete with four members, though it could be at a disadvantage.

Miyata has been a standout athlete, winning a bronze medal in the balance beam at the 2022 World Championships and clinching a third consecutive NHK Trophy earlier this year. Her absence is a significant blow to Japan's women’s gymnastics hopes. Historically, Japan has excelled in men’s gymnastics, but the women’s team has yet to reach the same level of success. The last time they won an Olympic medal was in 1964, with a bronze.

The JGA’s post on X has been updated stating "We have revised the content after today's press conference and reposted it. We deeply apologize for the loss of the various opinions we received. We will take them all seriously and use them for the future. All members of the Japanese women's gymnastics team will fight as one. We appreciate your continued support,"