A new ambassador of elegance

Kohei Uchimura is recognized by many as the best gymnast of all time. Born on January 3rd, 1989, the Japanese artistic gymnast was introduced to the world of gymnastics at the age of 3 through his parents, both former gymnasts. In 2007, he joined the Japan’s national gymnastics team and made a spectacular senior debut by claiming a bronze medal in the vault at the World Cup in Paris. The following year he competed in the Beijing Olympic Games where he captured the silver medal in the individual all-around and helped Japan take the second place in the team event. Since then, Uchimura has won all the major competitions, becoming the first gymnast to win every major all-around title in a single Olympic cycle. He accomplished this exceptional achievement twice by winning six world championships (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015) and gold at the London and Rio Olympics (2012 and 2016). Uchimura’s gymnastics skills are widely acclaimed as a “combination of tremendous difficulty, supreme consistency and extraordinary elegance of performance” (International Gymnast Magazine).

“I am hugely honored to become a member of the Longines family of Ambassadors of Elegance". Said Kohei's on he's new role. "The brand has been supporting gymnastics globally and has built strong connections with multiple elegant sports for many years. Besides, Longines means a lot to me since I have been awarded the “Longines Prize for Elegance” in 2011, 2013 and 2014. As a gymnast, I always aim to perform elegantly and I believe that the values close to my heart perfectly match with the ones dear to the brand.” added the artistic gymnast.