Japanese professional snowboarder Ayumu Hirano, a two-time Olympic silver medallist, recently became a father, sparking heartfelt changes in his mentality. Celebrating the birth of his first child, Hirano enlightened the public about his newfound outlook towards life and career. No specific announcement was made regarding his future career plans, though some speculate it may have an impact on his future performances.

Parenthood, and its impact on a person's life and career, is a topic widely discussed and valued in Japan. In particular, in Japanese sports circles, the birth of a child is often seen as a significant life event that holds the potential to reshape an athlete's career and life priorities.

In the US or the EU, news about athletes becoming parents is also well received, and it's not uncommon for it to affect the public's perception of those athletes. It is often considered a milestone in their life journey, bringing matured perspectives and sometimes even motivational boosts to their professional sports careers.