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Hashimoto Daiki isn’t taking anything for granted.
Not his place on the Paris 2024 Olympic gymnastics team. Not his standing as the reigning Olympic and world men’s all-around champion. Nothing.
On the eve of the All-Japan All-Around Championships starting on Thursday (10 April), the only thing Hashimoto is thinking about is how he can climb back on top of the Olympic podium this summer.
“I’ve competed at the All-Japans before with my place on the team secured like for the world championships but yeah, I feel a little bit more relaxed compared to how I felt before the Tokyo Olympics,” Hashimoto said at the Takasaki Arena in Gunma Prefecture where the four-day competition will be held.
“At the same time, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I have to do in order to win a gold medal in Paris so I feel sharp. I can’t lay an egg here. I have to be the best version of myself at each and every competition.
“Just because I’m in for Paris doesn’t mean I can relax. I have to show at the All-Japans what I hope to show in Paris.”
Hashimoto Daiki has his eyes on more gold this summer in Paris.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist is Japan’s only gymnast who has been handed a quota by the Japan Gymnastics Association ahead of the two qualifying meets for Paris, the All-Japans and next month’s NHK Trophy.
Hashimoto is in noticeably better shape compared to a year ago, when he competed in pain through a stress fracture in his lower back. He is currently injury free but will be on guard about potentially getting hurt, because he is in such good form.
A fourth consecutive championship is riding here for Hashimoto but the 22-year-old is more concerned about how well he performs rather than where he ends up in Sunday’s standings.
As a competitor, Hashimoto, without question, will be out to retain his crown this week and at the NHK Trophy. But ultimately, his laser-like focus is on the Games and will not live and die with each competition.
“Right now I’m not hurting anywhere. I feel like my body is responding well,” said Hashimoto, who has reconstructed his routine on the floor, still rings and parallel bars for the Olympic campaign.
“But equally, because I feel good I have to be extra careful about injuries. I can’t let up and need to stay on my toes from podium practice until the final day of competition.
“Honestly, I haven’t given winning four in a row much thought. I’ve got Paris on my mind and the emphasis is on the quality of my performances. If the quality is there, I’ll end up with the right results.
"I practice day in, day out every year to be the best in the world - not because it’s the Olympic year. I realise the attention and what not in an Olympic year does change. But through the All-Japans and NHK Trophy, I’m hoping to figure out what kind of a performance I have to deliver to become No. 1 in the world, what it is that I need to do to get there."
*As National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games, athletes' participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024.
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