is a Japanese

long-distance runner Long-distance running, or endurance running, is a form of continuous running over distances of at least . Physiologically, it is largely Aerobic exercise, aerobic in nature and requires endurance, stamina as well as mental strength. Within e ...

. He competed in the

marathon The marathon is a long-distance foot race with a distance of , usually run as a road race, but the distance can be covered on trail routes. The marathon can be completed by running or with a run/walk strategy. There are also wheelchair div ...

at the

1968 Summer Olympics The 1968 Summer Olympics ( es, Juegos Olímpicos de Verano de 1968), officially known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad ( es, Juegos de la XIX Olimpiada) and commonly known as Mexico 1968 ( es, México 1968), were an international multi-sport eve ...

. Sasaki achieved a personal best in the marathon of 2:11:17, set in the 1967 Fukuoka Marathon, finishing second behind

Derek Clayton Derek James Clayton (born 17 November 1942) is a former Australian long-distance runner, born in Cumbria, England and raised in Northern Ireland. Clayton set a marathon world best in the Fukuoka Marathon, Japan on 3 December 1967 in 2:09:36.4 ...

, who ran 2:09:36.4, a world record for the marathon distance at that time. Sasaki's performance in this marathon was the second fastest in history up to that time.

References

1945 births Living people Athletes (track and field) at the 1968 Summer Olympics Japanese male long-distance runners Japanese male marathon runners Olympic athletes for Japan Sportspeople from Saga Prefecture {{Japan-athletics-bio-stub