Rikako Ikee’s story is one of remarkable talent, determination, and an inspiring comeback. She first gained attention as a standout junior swimmer with impressive performances at the World Junior Championships in 2015 and the Rio 2016 Olympics, where she finished 5th in the 100m butterfly.

 After bravely battling leukemia, Ikee made an astonishing return to the pool as a relay swimmer at the Tokyo 2020 Games, held in her home city. Now, she’s making a remarkable comeback in her individual events at Paris 2024.

From Rio to Glory: The Rising Star

In Rio 2016, 16-year-old Rikako Ikee made waves on the global stage with her impressive performance in the 100m butterfly. Despite finishing 5th, it was only 0.23 seconds away from the podium and Ikee's strokes showcased her potential, setting the stage for her future achievements. Her performance was the beginning of a career filled with amazing achievements and growing recognition as a future swimming icon.

Her fame grew even more as she approached her home Olympic Games. In August 2018, Ikee reached the height of her career at the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, where she delivered a historic performance. At just 18 years old, she won six gold medals—an extraordinary feat that showcased her versatility and strength. Her victories in freestyle, butterfly, and relay events solidified her status as one of swimming's brightest stars, earning her widespread admiration from fans and athletes around the world. She broke Japanese national record 18 times in the year.

A Life-Altering Challenge and a Symbol of Resilience

In February 2019, however, the sports world was stunned when Ikee announced her diagnosis of leukemia. The news was a big shock not just to her fans, but to the entire swimming community. Ikee’s journey through treatment was arduous, involving chemotherapy and a 10-month-long hospital stay. Despite the challenging prognosis, her courage and determination became a beacon of hope, inspiring countless people with her steadfast resolve.

The global pandemic delayed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by a year, but it also marked a significant chapter in Ikee’s story. After a 10-month hospital stay, she returned to the swimming pool and resumed her training.

"Swimming was always something I took for granted. But now, just being here—being alive—is a miracle. My perspective has changed," she said in a Japanese TV interview two months after leaving the hospital.

"Paris is my number one goal right now. I haven't even started swimming again, but I'm already thinking about my times. I often dream about swimming and achieving pretty good times, too."

She stood on the Olympic Stadium stage in Tokyo during the one-year-to-go ceremony for the postponed Tokyo 2020 Games, sending a strong message of hope to the world and especially to fellow athletes during that challenging time.

After months of rehabilitation, her return to competitive swimming was nothing short of iconic. She qualified as a relay swimmer for Team Japan for the Tokyo 2020 Games. Although she competed only in relay events, her participation was a powerful statement of her resilience and a deeply emotional moment for fans and fellow athletes alike.

Ikee’s comeback gained momentum at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka. Competing in individual events on the world stage once again, her performance was a testament to her rigorous training and determination to reclaim her place among the best swimmers. By competing internationally, Ikee showed that her spirit and skill remained strong, positioning herself as a formidable competitor as she looks ahead to future challenges. She reached the final in the 50m butterfly, finishing 7th, and made it to the semi-finals in the 100m freestyle. However, she did not advance to the semi-finals in her favorite event, the 100m butterfly.

After the World Championships in Fukuoka, Ikee moved to Gold Coast and is now coached by Michael Bohl. With her sights set on the Olympic Pool at the La Défense Arena, Rikako Ikee is focusing on her next big goal.

"I have a strong desire to make the finals. Unlike three years ago (when there were no spectators at Tokyo 2020), this Olympics will be watched by the entire world. I am happy that people will be able to attend the venue," she told Japanese media this week.

She placed 14th in the morning heat and advanced to the semi-finals in the women’s 100m butterfly for tonight, alongside her teenage teammate Mizuki Hirai.

Her story of overcoming adversity has only strengthened her resolve and ambition. As she trains and prepares for the next chapter of her career, Ikee’s journey continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.