Murakami Mai

Murakami Mai, a retired artistic gymnast, transitioned from Olympic medalist to head coach of the Japan women’s national artistic gymnastics team. After achieving significant success at the 2010 National Junior High School Championships, where she won the all-around, balance beam, and floor exercise titles, Murakami Mai secured the floor exercise title at the senior-level All-Japan Championships that same year, leading to her first selection to the national team. Following a season missed due to injury in 2011, she made a strong return in 2012, clinching another floor exercise title at the All-Japan Championships. Murakami’s international career began to flourish with appearances including the 2013 City of Jesolo Trophy and a fourth-place finish on floor at the 2013 World Championships.

After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Murakami transitioned into coaching, contributing her expertise at Nippon Sport Science University. Her leadership and profound understanding of the sport led to her appointment as the head coach of the Japan women’s national artistic gymnastics team in 2024, where she now guides the next generation of elite athletes.