NEW JAPANESE GYMNASTICS STAR IS BORN

First-timer and baby’ of the team, Oka upstages Hashimoto to win second gold

PARIS The spotlight at the men's gymnastics at the Paris Olympics was always going to shine brightest on Japan's Daiki Hashimoto, but it was Shinnosuke Oka, who triumphed in the all around, emerging from the shadow of his more decorated countryman.

The youngest of the five-man Japanese squad at age 20, Oka picked up his second gold medal on July 31, narrowly eclipsing two Chinese rivals. Tokyo 2020 champion Hashimoto, 22, trailed far behind.

Japan had earlier beaten China in the team event on July 29.

"I had a strong desire to win, and I knew that if I could beat Hashimoto, I could win the title," Oka said. "It was really great that I was able to complete these Olympics without making any mistakes." The first-time Olympian added that he had constant encouragement from Hashimoto watching from nearby, even as his teammate's quest for a second consecutive title started to look doomed.

Victorious three years ago, Hashimoto had been lauded as a worthy heir to "King Kohei" Uchimura, the two-time Olympic all-around champion considered as one of the greatest male gymnasts.

However, he finished sixth on July 31 and is the weakest link in the team during these Olympics.