Japan's Shinnosuke Oka emerged as a new star of gymnastics Wednesday by winning a Paris Olympic men's all-around competition in which compatriot Daiki Hashimoto had borne the weight of expectation.

Hashimoto, who at 19 became the youngest winner of the event three years ago in Tokyo, was trying to follow in the footsteps of Japanese great Kohei Uchimura by winning back-to-back Olympic titles.

But the reigning world champion, who had been hampered by a broken finger ahead of the games, made uncharacteristic errors that took him out of the running at Bercy Arena.

Japan's Daiki Hashimoto sheds tears after finishing sixth in the men's artistic gymnastics individual all-around final at the Paris Olympics on July 31, 2024, at Bercy Arena in the French capital, where he was trying to defend the title he won three years ago in Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Chinese star Zhang Boheng, the strongest qualifier for the event, also stumbled, opening the door for the 20-year-old Oka to secure Japan's fourth straight men's all-around Olympic gold with consistent performances across all six apparatuses.

Zhang fought back from a poor start to finish a close second, while Tokyo Games runner-up Xiao Ruoteng earned bronze in his Olympic farewell.

Oka, also a winner of men's team gold with Japan two days earlier, now has his own opportunity to emulate "King Kohei," who clinched consecutive all-around crowns in 2012 and 2016.

"I've been able to make my mark as a champion. Now I want to keep taking up the challenge and continue winning, as I'm expected to do," said Oka. "I don't want to stop seeing myself as a challenger."

An emotional Hashimoto, whose title defense came undone with his fall from the pommel horse, the same apparatus that tripped him up in the team competition, said he aims to stand atop the men's all-around Olympic podium again.

"Compared to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, my journey hasn't been smooth," he said.

"While I didn't become the Olympic champion again, I believe I still have the potential to win the Olympic title multiple times. I want to keep believing in that possibility and continue competing."

Shinnosuke Oka (L) of Japan hugs compatriot Daiki Hashimoto after winning gold in the men's artistic gymnastics individual all-around final at the Paris Olympics on July 31, 2024, at Bercy Arena in Paris. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

 

Shinnosuke Oka of Japan (C) poses during the medal ceremony after winning gold in the men's artistic gymnastics individual all-around final at the Paris Olympics on July 31, 2024, at Bercy Arena in Paris, alongside silver medalist Zhang Boheng (R) and bronze medalist Xiao Ruoteng, both of China. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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