title: Mikako Kotani
text: # Mikako Kotani
  
  Mikako Kotani OLY (小谷 実可子, Kotani Mikako, born 30 August 1966) is a Japanese former synchronized swimmer who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics, where she gained a bronze medal each for the solo and duet events, and the 1992 Summer Olympics. She was the first woman to be Japan's flag-bearer for the 1988 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony.
  
  ## Retirement
  
  Since retiring, Mikako Kotani has opened a synchronized swimming school and served on the JOC (Japanese Olympic Committee), IOC Athletes' Commission, and Association of National Olympic Committees. In 1997, she introduced the resolution to promote Olympic truce to the United Nations General Assembly. In 2013, she was chosen to present the proposed venue layout for Tokyo's successful bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics.
  
  As of September 2017, she is currently a director on the board for the JOC and Olympians Association of Japan. In addition, she is on the executive committee of the World Olympians Association.
  
  