Kenki Sato

Kenki Sato (, Satō Kenki; born 11 July 1984 in Ogawa, Nagano prefecture, Japan is a Japanese equestrian. At the 2012 Summer Olympics he competed in the Individual eventing and reached 12th place.

Personal life Kenki is a member of a Japanese family of equestrians and Buddhist priests. He was born and raised in the secluded mountain village of Ogawa, in the temple compound Myōshō-ji (明松寺). A Buddhist priest himself, Kenki later studied law at Meiji University, Tokyo.

Family Tradition Kenki has been riding horses since he was seven years old. During his childhood, his home village was very isolated and largely inaccessible by car. Most transportation was done by horse.

Equestrian career

Kenki passed on the opportunity to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympics in order to complete his ordination as a zen priest.

In 2010, he joined the stable of German Olympic equestrian Dirk Schrade in order to prepare for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Kenki competed in the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, where he won a gold medal.

At the 2012 Summer Olympics he reached 15th place with his horse Chippieh after the dressage portion. During the cross-country portion however, his horse fell, ending the competition for Kenki. Japan ultimately reached 12th place overall.

Kenki had stated that after the 2012 games he is planning to stay in Germany until winter and to return to Japan afterwards. According to Michael Jung's father however, these plans have changed: Kenki will thus continue to stay in Germany.