Japanese · Osaka, Japan · Born 23 January 1979Japanese softball pitcher who led Japan to two Olympic gold medals, famous for her incredible endurance and pitching 413 times in 3 days at Beijing 2008.
Yukiko Ueno was born in Osaka, Japan in 1979. She is the cornerstone of Japanese softball's greatest era — winning Olympic gold at Beijing 2008 and at Tokyo 2020. She was named the Most Valuable Pitcher at the 2008 Beijing Olympics after pitching three complete games in four days, including two against the USA, to deliver Japan's historic gold medal — arguably the greatest individual pitching performance in Olympic softball history. She won the World Softball Championship with Japan. She played professionally in Japan's women's softball league for Toyota throughout her career. She is the most celebrated softball player in Japanese history and a national sporting icon.
Dominant pitching performances in Olympic Games and her incredible stamina
How They Played
Right-handed pitcher known for powerful fastball, excellent control, and exceptional endurance
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the greatest softball pitchers of all time and a national hero in Japan
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2008 (413 pitches in 3 days)
- Olympic Gold 2020 (Tokyo)
- World Softball Championship x3 (Japan)
- World Championship 2002
- World Championship 2006
- World Championship 2010
- Asian Games Gold 2002
- Asian Games Gold 2006
- Asian Games Gold 2010
- Asian Games Gold 2014
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Red Terrace | 2001–2004 | — |
| Renesas High-tech | 2005–2010 | — |
| Bic Camera Takasaki | 2011–2020 | — |
Japanese Athletes