Yoshihiko Saito

Yoshihiko Saito (斎藤 嘉彦, Saitō Yoshihiko, born 12 February 1972 in Tomioka, Gunma) is a retired Japanese athlete who specialized in the 400 metres hurdles. He was the first Asian to run under 49 seconds in the event.[1]

Kazuhiko Yamazaki

Personal information
Nationality	Japanese
Born	12 February 1972 (1972-02-12) (age 48) Tomioka, Gunma, Japan
Alma mater	Hosei University
Sport
Country	Japan
Sport	Track and field
Event(s)	400 metres hurdles
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	400 m: 46.43 (1993) 400 m hurdles: 48.64 (1998)
Medal record Men's athletics Representing  Japan World Indoor Championships 1993 Toronto 4×400 m relay Asian Games 1994 Hiroshima 400 m hurdles 1998 Bangkok 400 m hurdles Asian Championships 1991 Kuala Lumpur 400 m hurdles 1991 Kuala Lumpur 4×400 m relay East Asian Games 1997 Busan 4×400 m relay 1997 Busan 400 m hurdles Universiade 1991 Sheffield 400 m hurdles 1993 Buffalo 400 m hurdles 1993 Buffalo 4×400 m relay 1995 Fukuoka 400 m hurdles World Junior Championships 1990 Plovdiv 400 m hurdles Asian Junior Championships 1990 Beijing 400 m hurdles 1990 Beijing 4×400 m relay

With a personal best time of 48.64 seconds, achieved in October 1998 in Kumamoto, he is a former Asian record holder. The Asian record currently belongs to Hadi Soua'an Al-Somaily with 47.53 seconds,[2] and the Japanese record to Dai Tamesue.