Suminobe's international debut came in 2008 at the World Cup held in Montreal, Canada. Representing Japan, he quickly established himself as a formidable competitor. His left-handed fencing style, despite being naturally right-handed, adds a unique edge to his performance.

Club and Coaching

Suminobe is affiliated with the Nexus club in Japan. His national coach is Oleksandr Gorbachuk from Ukraine. Over the years, Suminobe has credited his high school coach, Katsuaki Moroe, as the most influential person in his career.

Achievements and Milestones

Suminobe has achieved several milestones in his career. Alongside Koki Kano, Masaru Yamada, and Satoru Uyama, he was part of the men's epee team that won Japan's first gold medal in any fencing discipline at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. They defeated ROC in the final.

In 2022, Suminobe became the first Japanese fencer to win a medal in men's individual epee at the world championships by claiming silver in Cairo, Egypt. These achievements have solidified his status as a top-tier fencer on the global stage.

Injuries and Challenges

Suminobe has faced several injuries throughout his career. In March 2021, he sustained a hernia but delayed surgery until after the 2020 Olympic Games. He also suffered neck and shoulder injuries during the 2016 World Cup event in Vancouver, Canada.

Philosophy and Influence

Suminobe lives by the motto, "Don't set limits for yourself." His hero is Japanese feudal lord Nobunaga Oda. This philosophy has driven him to push through challenges and achieve remarkable success in fencing.

Ambitions for Paris 2024

Looking ahead, Suminobe aims to win individual and team gold medals in epee at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This goal reflects his continuous drive for excellence and determination to further elevate his career.

Other Roles and Contributions

Beyond competing, Suminobe has contributed to the sport through various roles. In August 2017, he was voted onto the International Fencing Federation (FIE) athletes' commission. He also serves as chair of the Japanese Fencing Federation athletes' committee.

Suminobe's journey from a high school fencer to an Olympic gold medallist showcases his dedication and passion for the sport. As he prepares for Paris 2024, fans and fellow athletes will be watching closely to see if he can achieve his ambitious goals.