■Paris Olympics™ Men’s Gymnastics Individual All-Around Final (January 1, Japan time, Paris-Arena)

The men’s gymnastics individual all-around final took place, and Taiki Hashimoto (22, Central Sports), who was aiming for consecutive victories, was unable to improve his score and placed 6th, failing to achieve the feat following Kohei Uchimura. In his first appearance, the next generation ace Shinnosuke Oka (20, Tokushukai) achieved the feat of winning the gold medal, opening a new door to history following Hashimoto at the Tokyo Olympics.

Hashimoto, who has been the driving force behind “Japan Gymnastics” as an ace, began by saying with tears in his eyes, “I’m happy to be able to see new history.” He spoke frankly, saying, “More than feeling frustrated, I’m just so happy that I can’t help but cry.” He was cheerful as he added, “Today marks the end of the Paris Olympics, but I’m filled with the feeling that we were able to complete it with dignity.”

Hashimoto has been leading the team as an ace even in the team competition. In this tournament, he won the gold medal in the team competition and aimed to win the double crown with the individual medal, but was unable to achieve it. Nevertheless, he said, “This tournament is one that I really have no regrets about.”

Regarding the birth of the next generation ace, Hashimoto said, “I can see a new future where the level will rise and Japanese gymnastics will become stronger and stronger.” He continued, “I was really moved by how he overcame his injury and never gave up on his efforts.” He also vowed to continue fighting together with Oka, saying, “I’ll fix myself up again so that we can fight together for the next Los Angeles match.”

*Photo left: Oka, right: Hashimoto

[Gymnastics Individual All-Around Results]
Gold Medal) Shinnosuke Oka Total 86.832
Floor exercise: 14.566, Pommel horse: 14.500, Rings: 13.866
“Vault” 14.300, “Parallel bars” 15.100, “High bar” 14.500

6th place) Daiki Hashimoto Total 84.598
Floor exercise: 14.633, Pommel horse: 12.966, Rings: 13.400
“Vault” 14.766, “Parallel bars” 14.433, “High bar” 14.400