‘A little nervous’ but Japan’s Daiki Hashimoto wins second all-around gymnastics world title
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Japan's Daiki Hashimoto celebrates after winning the men's all-around title at the Gymnastics World Championships.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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ANTWERP – Japan’s Olympic gold medallist Daiki Hashimoto bounced back after struggling in qualifying to retain his men’s all-around title at the Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp on Thursday.
The 22-year-old scored 86.132 points to finish over a point ahead of Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun, who took silver (84.998), with American teenager Frederick Richard claiming a surprise bronze (84.332).
Hashimoto’s teammate Kenta Chiba, who was first in qualifying, was fourth (83.464).
Only two competitors from each country can compete in the all-around final and Hashimoto could have been left out.
But his team opted to retain him at the expense of Kazuma Kaya, who had finished ahead of him in Sunday’s qualifying. It proved a good decision by Japan, who won team gold on Tuesday.
On Thursday, Hashimoto started his evening with an almost-perfect floor routine but was frustrated after taking a big step forward on his final landing.
But he regained his composure, delivering an otherwise flawless performance which gave him the most coveted title in gymnastics for a second straight year.
“I was a little nervous, but less than in qualifying,” Hashimoto said.
“So I thought everything would be fine today, but I couldn’t control myself as well. After (the floor), I told myself I had no choice but to do better.”
Kovtun finished only 19th in qualifying, but put up a brilliant performance to improve on his bronze medal won in 2022, as Richard put the US back on the men’s podium in the all-around for the first time since 2010.
“It’s really fun and exciting, I’ve watched these guys for two to three years in the international level. Now I get to stand next to them which is pretty cool,” said the 19-year-old, who also won team bronze on Tuesday.
“They are my competitors of course and I am excited to come back in future competitions and push for that gold.”
With his win, Hashimoto further confirmed his status as the new king of men’s gymnastics, taking over his illustrious compatriot Kohei Uchimura who retired in January 2022.
He still has some way to go to catch Uchimura, who had won 10 world titles, including six in the all-around, and shone at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
Hashimoto could win more medals on Saturday when he competes in the floor and high bar apparatus finals.
In the women’s competition, American star Simone Biles will be eyeing a 21st world title
