Japan’s Shinnosuke Oka added another gold medal to his impressive Paris Games haul, securing victory in the men’s horizontal bar final on Monday. Oka’s performance was a masterclass in precision and power, resulting in a score of 14.533. This victory marked his third gold medal of the Games, following triumphs in the team and all-around events earlier in the day. His performance was particularly notable given the chaotic nature of the final. More than half of the competitors encountered difficulties, with several falling off the apparatus or suffering stumbles during their dismounts. The final was a stark contrast to the earlier events in the men’s artistic gymnastics competition, which witnessed a high standard of performance.
Despite the mistakes of his competitors, Oka still faced a stiff challenge from Colombian teenager Angel Barajas. Barajas delivered an equally impressive routine, matching Oka’s score of 14.533. However, Oka’s superior execution score secured him the top spot on the podium. The bronze medal was shared between Taiwan’s Tang Chia-hung and China’s Zhang Boheng, both of whom encountered difficulties in their routines. The event saw a new champion crowned as Tokyo gold medalist Daiki Hashimoto of Japan failed to qualify for the final. Oka’s victory solidified his status as one of the dominant forces in men’s artistic gymnastics. His impressive performance in Paris has firmly established him as a contender for the top spot in the sport.
