Koji GUSHIKEN

Due to the US-led boycott of the 1980 Games Koji Gushiken competed in only one Olympics, winning five medals in 1984, including gold in the all-around event. He started competing on a national level in 1976 and won his first Japanese titles in 1978 (pommelled horse and rings). Gushiken won the all-around event at the Chunichi Cup three-times from 1978-80 and placed in top positions in almost all events at the 1979 Pre-Olympics as well as in the 1980 World Cup.

At the World Championships Gushiken won his first medals in 1979 with bronze in pommelled horse and silver with the team. After winning four medals at the 1981 World Championships (gold on parallel bars, silver with the team, and bronze in all-around and floor) and again three medals at the 1983 World Championships (gold on rings, silver in all-around, and bronze with the team), Gushiken became the second most successful gymnast (behind Li Ning) at the 1984 Games. Gushiken broke his ankle in May 1985, but finished his international career with a bronze medal on pommelled horse at the World Championships in the same year before his retirement.