New Juryo Toyonoshima-correction..

[Kintamayama 47,183]

One of the three promotees to Juryo, Toyonoshima is actually the FIRST ever Sekitori who had to pass the second requirement test, having failed the first one because he is not tall enough. He is 1.71 meters (5.6'), and the minimum requirement is 1.73 meters (5.7'). In the past, aspirants were using all kinds of methods (the radical one was a silicone transplant to make them taller). Then, the Kyokai eased the rule and allowed for a second test, where they helped these guys pass. This basho, there were 14 under-par rikishi, who managed to enter. The second test evaluates if you have the "fighting spirit" and the will to enter, even though you are height/weight challenged, and you have to undergo a "motion ability" test. This second test was started in Haru 2001, and 61 rikishi have entered the Sumo world thanks to this change. The "final frontier" is 1.67 meters (5 ft 5'), 67 kilos (148 lbs.)

Toyonoshima did win the National Junior High championships in his time, so he's no slacker..

Toyonoshima himself:

Edited April 3, 2004 by Kintamayama