Salevaa Atisanoe, known as Konishiki, is a sumo wrestling legend. The Nanakuli native moved to Japan as a teen and in a matter of years became the first foreign-born wrestler to reach the rank of ozeki, second highest in the sport. Konishiki spent his career at 600-pounds and knew his health would be a long-term issue. His journey reflects the intense physical demands of sumo wrestling, the associated health risks, and his subsequent efforts to prioritize his well-being. This article delves into Konishiki's sumo career, his weight-related health challenges, and his inspiring commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
A Trailblazing Sumo Career
Konishiki, born Salevaa Atisanoe, left Hawaii at eighteen and moved to Tokyo. He embarked on a remarkable sumo journey, breaking barriers and achieving significant milestones. In 1987, he made history by becoming the first foreign-born wrestler to attain the rank of Ozeki, or Champion. For 10 more years he competed. winning three championships, while amassing more than 730 wins. Konishiki's success resonated deeply within the sumo world.
The Heavy Toll of Sumo: Weight and Health
Konishiki's career was marked by exceptional achievements and also by the physical demands of maintaining a massive physique. Konishiki spent his career at 600-pounds and knew his health would be a long-term issue. At his peak, he weighed over 620 pounds. Konishiki's experience sheds light on the potential health risks associated with the sumo lifestyle.
Health Scare in Chicago
Last June, Konishiki ran into a medical scare while on a tour in Chicago as he was retaining a significant amount of water due to issues with his kidneys. He was retaining a significant amount of water due to issues with his kidneys. "I went straight to the hospital and they told me, 'Bro, you cannot fly. If you fly, you’ll die on the plane,‘” Konishiki said. “Your heart is only 15 percent and it’s because of your kidney.”
Kidney Transplant and Recovery
After eventually returning to Tokyo, where he lives full time, he learned he was in desperate need of a kidney transplant and his wife, Chie, could be the donor. After a month in the hospital, Konishiki says he feels better than ever and coincidentally, another local sumo great, Musashimaru, had the exact same procedure. Since the transplant, Konishiki says he’s been losing weight and is hoping to eventually get down to under 300 pounds. The 60-year-old, who spent more than a month in hospital with a diagnosis of obesity-related glomerulopathy, said he was recovering well from surgery to transplant the kidney from his 48-year-old wife Chie on Dec. Hawaiian-born former sumo wrestler Konishiki attends a press conference at a hospital in Kamakura near Tokyo on Dec. 23, 2024. "Now I can live until the age of 99.9. "I've had a Christmas present, so I might not be getting another one.
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Painkillers and Kidney Issues
He admits his health challenges are the product of a grueling and demanding professional career. “For me, the reason why my kidneys were bad was because of the painkillers I took,” Konishiki said. “I took a lot of painkillers bro, and at the time, you so focused on trying to get through a tournament, trying to get the best you can. Especially sumo, every time you sit out, you lose your rank.”
A New Chapter: Health Advocacy and Weight Loss
While no longer competing, Konishiki remains close to the sport as a coach and ambassador for the sport around the world. He also wants his recent procedure to serve as a reminder on the importance of proper health as he has close friends and family members who’ve faced years-long struggles. Since the transplant, Konishiki says he’s been losing weight and is hoping to eventually get down to under 300 pounds.
Lessons from Konishiki and Others in Sumo
Konishiki's story underscores the importance of health awareness, even within a sport steeped in tradition. Ōrora, a retired professional wrestler, or rikishi, said in a recent interview with the Asahi Shimbun, soon after a young wrestler died after contracting coronavirus. “You are the only person that can take care of yourself. Nobody in your sumo stable cares about you.” The sumo diet staple chanko nabe - a stew packed with meat, fish and vegetables - is high in protein and low in fat.
Changing Lifestyles for Better Health
Mikhakhanov was not alone in struggling to keep his eating habits in check. The 37-year-old has since swapped his two huge meals a day for five smaller meals, and regular walks and gym sessions have helped him shed more than 100kg. “Of course, you can’t train unless you eat, but there’s no point in making yourself ill,” he said.
Sumo's Evolving Landscape: Health and Tradition
While other intense contact sports such as rugby and American football have adopted new approaches to training and nutrition, Japan’s de facto national sport is anchored to tradition. There is pressure on wrestlers to get bigger and stronger, but there has been no significant change in training methods or nutrition,” says Gunning, who represented Ireland three times at the sumo world championships. “They’re doing the same exercise routines, eating the same things and living the same lifestyle as 20 years ago … or 200 years ago.”
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Health Guidelines and Individual Responsibility
The Japan Sumo Association has published 10 health guidelines that include eating fish and vegetables, in addition to meat, chewing food properly and avoiding crisps, cakes and other snacks. The association conducts regular health checks on wrestlers, but enforcing good eating habits is practically impossible among stables with contrasting attitudes towards nutrition and health.
Konishiki's Enduring Legacy
Konishiki's journey from a young Hawaiian wrestler to a sumo icon is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and cultural impact. A naturalized Japanese citizen, Konishiki continues to live in Japan where he recently released his 10th album. But it's his work with children he's most proud of. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of pursuing our passions while prioritizing our health and well-being.
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