The late Nobuyuki Aihara, a gymnastics legend, left a great impression on many individuals he met or influenced during his many decades in the sport, including Yoichi Tomita.

Aihara's death at age 78 on July 16 triggered many memories for Tomita, who followed in Aihara's footsteps.

"Mr. Aihara was a great gymnast, probably the best ever from my hometown, Takasaki, and home state, Gunma (Prefecture)," Tomita, a longtime prominent figure within USA Gymnastics, wrote in an email to The Japan Times.