Olympic Games Paris 2024

'Disappointed' Hashimoto Daiki aiming for recovery by June after finger ligament injury

By Shintaro Kano
3 min|
Hashimoto Daiki must sit tight until June to heal an injury to his finger.

Picture by 2023 Getty Images

Hashimoto Daiki will be sidelined through May with hopes of a full recovery by the start of June after injuring his right middle finger ahead of the NHK Trophy.

Men’s national coach Mizutori Hisashi said on Friday (17 May) that the Olympic and world all-around champion has been diagnosed with a damaged collateral ligament, which he suffered while practising on the parallel bars two days ago.

Hashimoto is experiencing swelling, Mizutori said, and while it took some convincing, it was decided that he should skip the NHK Trophy to avoid aggravating the injury, especially since his place on the team for Paris 2024 is secure.

“He wanted to compete but after being diagnosed at the national training centre yesterday and speaking with his trainer, we felt it was in his best interests to sit this one out,” Mizutori said, the morning after Hashimoto’s withdrawal was announced by the Japan Gymnastics Association.

“We cannot afford to let this impact him at the Olympics. He has already made the team so we preferred him to properly rest now and then get ready for the Olympics.

“We have a camp scheduled the first week of June and want him to fully participate there. The plan is for him to heal during May then began ramping up in June.”

Hashimoto was not made available on this day although he is expected to rejoin the squad for Sunday’s official unveiling after competition ends.

Mizutori said Hashimoto was despondent about not being able to defend the NHK Trophy which he has won the last three years and was set to be his final meet before the Games.

Mizutori added that he was not overly concerned Hashimoto would only have one competition under his belt before Paris as he did compete at last month’s All-Japan All-Around Championships - and won.

“When it was decided that he would pull out, he seemed a little disappointed. He wanted to go so he was frustrated,” Mizutori said. “He wanted to win here then head to the Olympics. It was a mix of wanting to compete and being very frustrated.

“He wasn’t going to try anything new here so I’m not that worried. If he hadn’t competed at the All-Japans that’s one thing, but he did and had the scores, too, so I’m not too concerned there.”

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