What he really wanted was a team gold for Japan. ENLARGEUchimura had prioritized that elusive team gold because of what happened in the last two Olympic Games. Uchimura and the Japanese soothed the nerves of a nation obsessed with men’s gymnastics by winning its first gold since 2004 and, in a twist in the sport’s fiercest rivalry, knocking China back to a surprising bronze medal. The heavyweights in men’s gymnastics were once again expected to contend for the top spots in Rio. “We know this is the Olympic Games,” Uchimura said, “and this makes us stressed out.”This time, though, Uchimura was their sedative, competing on all six apparatus for the Japanese.

Source: Wall Street Journal August 08, 2016 22:18 UTC