The chase is on for Hashimoto Daiki

Days after capturing two gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021, Japanese gymnast Hashimoto Daiki knew his competitors would soon have him in their sights.

"I’m so glad I could continue the legacy and prove to the world that Japan has the top gymnast. But now it’s my turn to be chased after," Hashimoto told Olympics.com at the time. "I’d like to keep this status as the best in the world by working hard toward my ideal."

That chase began Wednesday (20 October) with Hashimoto competing on all six apparatus, and leading the men's all-around during the qualifying round at the 2021 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan.

"I know people are going to be paying a lot of attention to me but I need to stay focused on my routines," said Hashimoto. "I have to compete with the pride and confidence of an Olympic champion."

"I hope people can support us individually" - Hashimoto Daiki

After capturing all-around and high bar gold in Tokyo, the comparisons to another Japanese great, Uchimura Kohei, came fast.

Uchimura is perhaps the greatest male gymnast of his time. The stylish champion made his Olympic debut at Beijing 2008, where he came runner-up in the all-around to China’s Yang Wei.

Four years later, after winning world titles in 2009, 2010 and 2011, he claimed all-around gold at London 2012. His dominance continued through the Rio 2016 Games where he was once again champion. That made him the first man to defend an Olympic all-around title since compatriot Kato Sawao in 1968 and 72.

In Tokyo, Hashimoto kept the Japanese streak alive, giving the hosts their third straight men’s all-around gold at the Olympics.

The 20-year-old, however, wants to make his own mark in the sport.

“I’d like people to see me as me,” Hashimoto said. “And Uchimura-san is still not finished, so I hope people can support us individually.”

Staying on top

The last time Hashimoto entered the Worlds, he competed on only four events.

But a lot has changed since October 2019, and he says the extra year caused by the postponement of the Olympic Games allowed him to achieve his success at Tokyo 2020 in 2021.

“It’s been a productive year for me,” Hashimoto explained. “If I had competed (in the Olympics) a year ago, I don’t think I would’ve had the same results. I believe I grew a lot in the past year.”

It's been a busy one for Hashimoto, who had said he might not be at full force coming into these championships.

"I had the (All-Japan Collegiate Championships on 4 September) before this and I’m feeling it physically with all the competitions," he admitted after his official practice in Kitakyushu. "But I’ve been given an opportunity to compete at the world championships, and I’m here so I want to make the most of it."

It's part of his ultimate goal in the sport: a legacy people will remember.

“I hope when people think of a gymnastics champion, I want them to think of Hashimoto Daiki,” he said. “That would be my goal.”