Long-distance running coach Yoshio Koide, who helped Japan become a powerhouse in women's marathon in the 1990s and 2000s, died Wednesday, sources close to him said. He was 80.Known for his lively personality, Koide coached Naoko Takahashi to Japan's first Olympic women's marathon gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Games. Her winning time of 2 hours, 23 minutes and 14 seconds stood as an Olympic record for 12 years.A former schoolteacher in his native Chiba Prefecture, Koide was often seen vigorously cheering on his athletes from the sidelines of the marathon course.He guided Yuko Arimori to a s…READ FULL ARTICLE
