Akinori Nakayama

  • Japan

Akinori Nakayama was one of the leaders of the powerful Japanese team in the 1960s and 1970s, which dominated men's gymnastics and served as idols to countless young gymnasts around the globe.

Induction Speech Video

Fondly remembered for his grace and athletic skill, Nakayama remains one of the most revered and respected champions in gymnastics. His total of 10 Olympic medals places him as one of the top all-time Olympic medal winners in history.

Born March 1, 1943, in Aichi, Japan, Akinori Nakayama was one of the leaders of the powerful Japanese team in the 1960s and 1970s, which dominated men's gymnastics and served as idols to countless young gymnasts around the globe. Fondly remembered for his grace and athletic skill, Nakayama remains one of the most revered and respected champions in gymnastics. His total of 10 Olympic medals places him as one of the top all-time Olympic medal winners in history. He currently serves as a vice president of the Japanese Gymnastics Association.

1966 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

  • Gold Medalist & World Champion: Floor Exercise, Horizontal Bar, Team

1968 OLYMPIC GAMES

  • Gold Medalist & Olympic Champion: Still Rings, Parallel Bars, Horizontal Bar, Team
  • Silver Medalist: Floor Exercise, Bronze Medalist, All Around

1970 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

  • Gold Medalist & World Champion: Floor Exercise, Still Rings, Parallel Bars, Team
  • Silver Medalist: Horizontal Bar, Bronze Medalist, All Around

1972 OLYMPIC GAMES

  • Gold Medalist & Olympic Champion: Still Rings, Team
  • Silver Medalist: Floor Exercise, Bronze Medalist, All Around

2005 INTERNATIONAL GYMNASTICS HALL OF FAME

  • Inducted as a member of the Class of 2005