Japan men's judo coach Shinichi Shinohara, who endured the humiliation of his team finishing with no gold medals for the first time in Olympic history at the London Games, said Sunday he plans to continue leading the team toward the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Shinohara, who was attending a technical meeting of the All Japan Judo Federation in Saitama Prefecture, is asking for a chance to redeem himself four years hence after what was seen as an epic failure in London last month.
"We ended with a result that should never have been, and I feel like saying, 'damn it' and getting revenge."
Until now, the 39-year-old had been tightlipped on whether he would step down. "I don't think all I have done with the team has been a bust. There are also some up-and-coming young athletes."
Japan women's coach Ryuji Sonoda, whose team won just one gold medal through Kaori Matsumoto in the 57-kilogram class in London, also said he will stick to his guns looking toward Rio.
The All Japan Judo Federation will hold a meeting on Monday, when it will discuss a new plan of action for both the men's and women's teams.