Sumo's first foreign-born yokozuna dies - PHOTOS
Akebono, the first foreign-born sumo wrestler to become a yokozuna, has died at the age of 54, US officials and Japanese media said.
Born Chad Rowan in Hawaii in 1969, Akebono was one of the most successful sumo wrestlers of the 1990s. He became the 64th yokozuna – or grand champion – in 1993, taking Japanese citizenship three years later. Kyodo News Agency reported that he passed away in early April of heart failure.
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel described Akebono as "a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the U.S. and Japan". "When Akebono became the first foreign-born grand champion - sumo's highest rank - in 1993, he opened the door for other foreign sumo wrestlers to seek success in the sport. During his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural relationship between the United States and his homeland, uniting us all through the sport", he said.
Standing over 2 meters tall and weighing more than 230 kg, Akebono was known for his big fights with local favorites Takanohana and Wakanohana, who were born into an elite sumo family. Akebono was part of the opening ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Three years later, he ended his sumo career to train younger competitors, and later participated in other combat sports, including professional wrestling. /BGNES
