Yurie Seki

Position / Crew
Born: April 1994
Hometown: Kagawa Prefecture

Started sailing at Takamatsu Commercial High School, where she achieved notable results at the Inter-High School Championships. Recognized for her achievements, she advanced to the prestigious Kansai Gakuin University Yacht Club and began competing in the 470 class. During her university years, she won the All Japan Women’s Intercollegiate Championships twice in a row and was selected to represent Japan at the 470 Junior World Championships, establishing herself as one of Japan’s top female crews.
In 2016, she joined the Yamaha Sailing Team and began campaigning for the TOKYO2020 Olympics. In 2017, she won the All Japan Women’s 470 Class Sailing Championships but struggled to achieve results on the world stage, ultimately retiring from Olympic campaigning once.
However, her passion for competition reignited, and she decided to aim for the PARIS2024 Olympics. In 2022, she approached Isozaki to form a team and, despite being repeatedly turned down, she persuaded him with her persistence and enthusiasm, ultimately convincing him to return to competition together and make a comeback in the 470 class.
Initially, her skills had declined significantly due to a long break from top-level competition, but through her trademark grit, she pushed herself to the limit with rigorous on-water training and physical conditioning. As a result, she rapidly regained her strength and won a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships, emerging as a strong candidate to represent Japan at the PARIS2024 Olympics.
After Isozaki narrowly missed out on an Olympic spot, he immediately decided to aim for the LA2028 Olympics, while Seki once again stepped away from top-level competition. However, through various experiences during her time away, the passion she had kept deep in her heart — to challenge herself anew and aim for Olympic gold again — reignited. She volunteered to rejoin Isozaki’s campaign as crew for the LA2028 Olympics, making her competitive return once more.
Her experience battling against top sailors worldwide and her unwavering desire to achieve the dream stage that slipped away give her a determination stronger than anyone’s. With her ever-positive attitude, she is once again charging forward toward the gold medal.
(Photo: Kazushige Nakajima / Text: T.N.)