is a Japanese speed skater. A five-time world champion in the 500 meters, Shimizu became the first Japanese speed skater to win a gold medal with his performance at the 1998 Winter Olympics. At the 1998 World Championships, Shimizu set a world record (34.82) and became the first person to break the 35-second barrier in the event. Shimizu later broke this record at the 2001 World Championships with a time of 34.42.
He was married to Japanese fashion model Reiko Takagaki.
World records EventTimeDateVenue500 m35.392 March 1996Olympic Oval, Calgary500 m35.3628 March 1998Olympic Oval, Calgary500 m34.8228 March 1998Olympic Oval, Calgary2x500 m68.96010 March 2001Utah Olympic Oval, Salt Lake City500 m34.3210 March 2001Utah Olympic Oval, Salt Lake City
Source: SpeedSkatingStats.com
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