Oka Shinnosuke: ‘It’s about me’
Time has flown since last summer for Oka, who stormed to three gold medals in his Olympic debut at Paris 2024 in the all-around, horizontal bar and the team event, which he won alongside Hashimoto. He also took home bronze in the parallel bar for good measure.
Oka became the sixth Japanese to win the men’s all-around, dethroning Hashimoto in the process. Not since the legendary Kato Sawao at Munich 1972 had a Japanese male won three golds in a single Games.
Oka’s father named him after Yomiuri Giants baseball player Abe Shinnosuke, hoping that his son would become a superstar one day. It’s safe to say Oka Senior’s prayers were answered.
With success comes expectations, which some handle better than others. Oka – who overcame a career-threatening ACL tear in his right knee three years ago – does not seem to mind the burden of being an Olympic gold medallist in a country mad about the Games.
“I feel like where I’ve grown since Paris is mental. Not giving up, wanting to win at all costs – it comes down to heart,” Oka told Olympics.com during an interview at the World University Games in July.
“After the Olympics, more and more people have been supporting me. A lot is being expected so there’s pressure for sure.
“But at the end of the day, it’s about me. I’m the one competing. The fans matter of course, but I have to look out for myself. I can’t compete for someone else. Coming to realise that has made me stronger.”
AloJapan.com