Japan’s Kaori Icho has received the country’s People’s Honour Award from the Japanese Prime Minister in Tokyo ©United World Wrestling

Japan’s Kaori Icho, a four-time Olympic Games wrestling gold medallist, has received the country’s People’s Honour Award from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe at his residence in Tokyo.

Icho became the first female Olympian to win an individual event at four consecutive Olympic Games when she triumphed in the women’s 58 kilogram final in Rio de Janeiro in August.

The 32-year-old also won the 63kg titles at London 2012, Beijing 2008 and Athens 2004.

The People’s Honour Award was established in 1977 and is given to a person or group in Japan that "has sparked excitement and encouragement in society through an outstanding achievement in cultural endeavours in sport, music and film among others".

Icho received the award at a reception, which was attended by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, which was also held to promote the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Receiving the commendation, plaque and obi, I realised for the first time what a prestigious award the People’s Honour Award really is," Icho said at the dinner reception.

"At the same time, a number of sobering thoughts were simmering inside me."

Kaori Icho became the first female Olympian to win an individual event in four consecutive Olympic Games when she triumphed in the women’s 58 kilogram final in Rio de Janeiro ©Getty Images
Kaori Icho became the first female Olympian to win an individual event in four consecutive Olympic Games when she triumphed in the women’s 58 kilogram final in Rio de Janeiro ©Getty Images

Icho is the second women’s wrestler to win the award, following in the footsteps of her teammate Saori Yoshida.

Yoshida received the award in 2012 after winning her third Olympic Games gold medal in London and her 13th overall world-level title.

The winner of the prize is given a plaque and commemorative band for a kimono.

Other sports stars to win the award include professional baseball legend Sadaharu Oh, who was the first recipient in 1977.

Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games judo gold medallist Yasuhiro Yamashita and Sydney 2000 women’s marathon gold medallist Naoko Takahashi are also both winners.