Uchimura books spot at fourth Olympics

TOKYO: Japanese gymnastics superstar Kohei Uchimura reflected on an “amazing” achievement after qualifying for his fourth Olympics on Sunday, but admitted he was “lucky” to scrape home after a late wobble.

The 32-year-old opted not to defend the all-around titles he won in 2012 and 2016 at the pandemic-postponed Tokyo Games because of shoulder pain, deciding instead to focus on the horizontal bar.

But he had to work hard to earn his place after a marathon qualifying process went right down to the wire.

Uchimura squeaked home ahead of rival Hidenobu Yonekura on points accumulated over three competitions, but faced a nervous wait after a shaky performance on Sunday.

“When I landed after my routine, I thought I wouldn’t be going to the Olympics,” said Uchimura, who became the first male gymnast to win back-to-back all-around titles in 44 years at the Rio Games.

“When I was told I was going, I wasn’t so much happy as wondering if it was alright for me to go. I went over to Yonekura when it was finished and told him I was sorry.”