Rikako Ikee Embraces Her Recovery Look For Inspiring Ad Campaign

In a new campaign for Procter & Gamble’s SK-II cosmetics brand, Japanese 19-year-old Rikako Ikee shows herself in a raw, honest light.

We’re used to seeing the 2016 Olympic finalist and 2018 Asian Games MVP in cap and goggles, but she has been out of that attire for some time after having been diagnosed with leukemia in February 2019. After almost a year in the hospital, the free and fly specialist was officially released in December of 2019 and has been slowly making her way back to the pool and gym.

“If I hadn’t believed it would be temporary, I wouldn’t have been able to bear it. But then, as I turned the corner, I could go out and eat out, and that joy was unbelievable,” Ikee said of her journey, of which you can read more about here.

While the inspiring teen is still recovering, she is serving as a source of inspiration, not afraid to show the world how she has changed physically and mentally through the adversity.

In her SK-II campaign photo appearing on her personal Instagram, Ikee said, “Today, I will show you myself like this for the first time.

“These days, people around the world are having a tough time with all the anxiety,” she said. “I’ll be happy if this message gives even a little hope for my fellow athletes and anyone battling similar hardships.”

Ikee also stated, “Not having any hair isn’t something to be embarrassed about. Rather, I’m proud of my hair as it is. I’m proud of who I am. I wanted to be myself.