Ueno (pictured), whose inspired pitching helped Japan win the gold medal in a thrilling Olympic final game against the United States, has become a national heroine since her starring role at Fengtai Softball Field in Beijing.

A bronze medalist at the Athens Olympics in 2004 when she threw the first Olympic softball perfect game, she also won a silver medal at both the 2006 and 2002 International Softball Federation (ISF) Women's World Championships.

Her pitching at the Games in Beijing raised her profile to new levels, having allowed only one run in seven innings in the gold medal game against the Americans, after having pitched the equivalent of three games the day before in extra innings decisions versus Australia, which Japan won, and the US, which they lost.

The ratings for the Olympic softball gold medal game in Beijing were the highest during the entire Games in Japan, with the exception of the Opening Ceremony.

Donna de Varona, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming who is now the co-chair of the BackSoftball Task Force, said, “Yukiko's extraordinary career has made her a household name in Japan and an Olympic hero.

 

"A revered role model in Asia, softball has given Yukiko and her teammates a once in a lifetime opportunity to compete on the world stage and also to nurture their skills in the flourishing professional league in Japan.

 

"Yukiko first embraced the Olympic dream while watching softball coverage on television.

 

"BackSoftball is focused on continuing to build on the rapid growth and popularity of softball, and Yukiko's participation will enhance this worldwide and passionate effort.”

The BackSoftball Athlete Ambassadors programme was launched just after last year’s Olympic softball competition and includes representation from all five regions of Africa, Asia, Americas, Europe, and Oceania.

 

The softball players involved have been extremely active, with three of them slated to be part of the ISF’s presentation this month to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s ruling Executive Board.

 

Softball was controversially voted off the Olympic programme for London 2012, along with baseball.

 

Both sports are now trying to regain their places in the Games.

 

There are five other sports also campaigning to be included.

 

They are golf, karate, roller sports, rugby sevens and squash.

A final decision on which sports will be added to the current roster of 26 will be made at the 121st IOC Session in Copenhagen in October this year, although the Executive Board are expected to recommend up to three sports when they meet in Berlin on August.