Still fewer can win a dozen Olympic medals and go on to become a professor at a reputed university. Kato’s contribution to making Japan the most dominant force in world gymnastics in the 1960s and 70s cannot be overstated. It was a visit to the gymnastics arena as a school student that proved the turning point of his life. He made his Olympic debut in Mexico in 1968 in style, winning three gold medals, including the prestigious individual all-around one. No male gymnast has won as many gold medals.

Source: The Hindu July 23, 2016 16:52 UTC