For 20 years during the 1960s and 70s, the Japanese men dominated the sport. By the time of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the expectations for the legendary Japanese team were high. From the marching in ceremony, it was clear the Japan mens team expected to repeat as Olympics team gold medalists.

And in fact, they did. Their Olympic team gold streak remained alive for five consecutive Olympics.

One member of that 1964 team, Takuji Hyata, was poised to win an individual gold medal on his best event, the rings. In a tightly contested final, Hyata competed against the Soviet Union’s Boris Shakhlin, Italy’s Franco Menichelli, and Japan’s Yukio Endo. Hyata’s powerful routine was strong enough to earn him the gold, with a score of 9.75.

Hyata’s competitive success continued, as he earned another team gold medal at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

Hyata immediately transferred his knowledge of gymnastics to become as successful a coach as he was a gymnast. He lead the Japan team to gold medals at the 1976 Olympics and the 1978 World Championships. 

As a professor of physical education at Nippon University in Tokyo, Mr. Hyata continues to bring honor and glory to his gymnastics profession. He serves in many leadership roles in the Japan Gymnastics Association, including the vice presidency. Mr. Hyata will be remembered for the variety of contributions to the Japan Gymnastics Association, and his legacy as “the strong man” during Japanese gymnastics’ greatest days remains solid.