Long Form: Japanese surfer Kanoa Igarashi speaks to SNTV ahead of Olympics

At the Tokyo Olympics, Kanoa Igarashi will be one of Japan's best medal hopes when he takes part in surfing's debut at the Games.

Though in the California born 23-year-old's mind, he'll be representing more than just Japan.

"Yeah, there is going to be a flag next to my name," Igarashi said. "I'm representing Japan officially, but I really feel like I'm representing America as well. It's  shaped me to be the person I am today."

Igarashi was born in Huntington Beach, California to Japanese immigrants. He would spend his childhood shuttling between California and Tokyo, spurring his love for Japan, surfing and his country of birth.

Those regular trips back to Japan is also where Igarashi gathered the secret weapon he hopes will help him earn an Olympic medal later this month.

Igarashi's father, Tsutomu, was the person who originally found the surf break at Tsurigasaki beach in Chiba where the surfing tournament at Tokyo will be held.

The Igarashi family have been surfing the waves where Olympic surfing gold will be won for years and no one will know the break better than Kanoa.

"I really didn't think that the Olympics would be held at that surf spot in Chiba," says Igarashi's father, Tsutomo.

As it has been for most people, the last 12 months have been intense for Igarashi. From navigating COVID-19, to bearing witness to a rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans in his country of birth to preparing to be one of Japan's Olympic medal hopefuls.

At least the 12 month postponement for the Tokyo Games has give Igarashi a chance to get gather himself for what is to come.

"It gave me time to take a good, long, deep breath before one of the biggest moments in my life," Igarashi said.