Hashimoto's Hat Trick: A New Era in Artistic Gymnastics

Daiki Hashimoto has secured his third straight men's individual all-around title at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, joining the elite ranks of Kohei Uchimura. Scoring 85.131 points, Hashimoto narrowly defeated China's Zhang Boheng, who earned the silver medal with 84.333, and Switzerland's Noe Seifert, who unexpectedly took bronze.

Rebounding from a disappointing finish at last year's Paris Olympics, where injury hindered his performance, Hashimoto expressed joy in winning the championship. Comparing himself to Uchimura, Hashimoto remarked on his desire to achieve superhuman feats, aiming to break records as one of his greatest joys.

The event served as a dramatic face-off as Hashimoto, Shinnosuke Oka, and Zhang Boheng vied for the top spot, with scores closely contested. Hashimoto attributed his victory to self-belief and remained focused until the high bar routine clinched his win. Amidst the competition, geopolitical issues arose, with Indonesia denying Israeli gymnasts' visas, sparking calls from the International Olympic Committee to reconsider holding events in the country.