Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Gymnastics - Artistic - Men's Horizontal Bar - Final - Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan - August 3, 2021. Daiki Hashimoto of Japan reacts REUTERS/Lisi Niesner After HASHIMOTO Daike got to be the first Japanese man to win two-person gold medals. At the same Olympic Games since 1984. The Olympic victor says he’d or possibly not be compared to the extraordinary UCHIMURA Kohei.
“I’d like people to see me as me,” Hashimoto told Olympics.com in an exclusive interview. “And Uchimura-san is still not finished, so I hope people can support us individually.”
Still, it is difficult not to see Uchimura in what shows up to be the next generation of incredible Japanese men’s gymnasts.
Uchimura Kohei
Uchimura is maybe the greatest male gymnast of his time. The stylish champion made his Olympic debut in Beijing in 2008. Where he came runner-up within the all-around to China’s YANG Wei.
Four a long time afterward, after winning world titles in 2009, 2010, and 2011, he claimed all-around gold at London 2012. His dominance proceeded through the 2016 Diversions where he was once more a winner. That made him the primary man to guard an Olympic all-around title since compatriot KATO Sawao in 1968 and 72.
In Tokyo, Hashimoto kept the Japanese streak lively, giving the has their third straight men’s all-around gold at the Olympics.
“I’m so glad I could continue the legacy and prove that Japan has the top gymnast,” he said.
It’s something that Uchimura made see so easy for the way better portion of a decade. As he won a record six world titles. Hashimoto knows his Olympic gold comes with a target on his back.
“Now, it’s my turn to be chased after. So I’d like to keep this status by working hard toward my ideal,” he said, later adding that he plans to participate in October’s World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan. “I’d like to win there and become a world champion like Uchimura Kohei.”
The last time the world saw Hashimoto at the World Championships, the teenager. Who celebrates his 20th birthday on Saturday (7 August), competed in only four events.
He says the extra year caused by the delay of the Olympic Games permitted him to realize his victory at Tokyo 2020.
“It’s been a productive year for me,” Hashimoto explained. “If I had competed (in the Olympics) last year, I don’t think I would’ve had the same results. I believe I grew a lot in the past year.”
Japan’s Uchimura wins All Around Gymnastics gold
World and Olympic winner Kohei Uchimura wins gold for Japan within the men’s imaginative acrobatic person all-around last at Rio 2016.
His success along with teammate KITAZONO Takeru, who is just 18 years old, signals a bright future.
“I think the fact that teenagers like the two of us could experience the Olympics will be a great treasure for Japan,” Hashimoto said. “I’d like to pass our experience to the next generations and lead this country.”
Just as Uchimura has.
“We could perform with all our hearts at the Olympics because Uchimura-san’s words and experiences have mentally supported us,” said Hashimoto. “So, without him, I don’t think we could’ve performed this well.”
Indeed so, it is clear he wants his claim legacy within the sport.
“I hope when people think of a gymnastics champion, I want them to think of Hashimoto Daiki,” he said. “That would be my goal.”
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