At the 1980 Gymnastics World Cup, he became the first Chinese person to gold medal in gymnastics at a worldwide tournament. In 1989, he became the head coach of the Chinese national men’s team, stewarding Chinese gymnastics for some 30 years as it conquered the world, winning 9 gold medals, including for men’s team all-around artistic gymnastics at both the Sydney and Beijing Olympics. After retiring as head coach of the national team in 2017, he took on roles including a professorship at the Shanghai University of Sport, a visiting professorship at Tongji University, and an advisory role at the Chinese Olympic Committee. From 2019, he became president of the Chinese University of Gymnastics, and is expected to become a visiting professor at Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences. Known as the “gold medal coach,” he teaches from his knowledge and experience with instruction and technique.

Toshiyuki Fujihara

Associate Professor, Faculty of Physical Education, Sport Sciences Department

Specialized field: Sports biomechanics, coaching (artistic gymnastics)

Academic credentials: Doctor of Philosophy, (Sports Sciences)

Background: After acquiring his master’s at the graduate school of the Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences, he completed his doctorate at the University of Alberta, Canada. While in Canada, he continued to provide competitive coaching while engaged in his research activities, contributing to the successes of the regional gymnastics club by producing members of the age-category national team. In 2011, he took up the post at the Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences, dedicating his efforts towards both sports science research and coaching. Under his direction, the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Club has earned successive victories at the Kansai Intercollegiate Gymnastic Champiohships, and in 2018 won the 2nd division of the men’s team competition at the All Japan Intercollegiate Gymnastic Championships, earning promotion to the 1st division.