The 24-year-old (pictured top), who also has four silvers to his name - two each from Beijing 2008 and last summer's Games, won the honour for the second straight year.

Alongside Uchimura, who is working to support Tokyo's bid to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, wrestler Saori Yoshida, an official Tokyo 2020 ambassador, will be recognised for her performances during 2012 after she took her third straight Olympic gold and defended her world title for a 10th consecutive time.

Uchimura is due to receive his award at a special ceremony in Tokyo on June 23.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
March 2013: Japanese London 2012 heroes parade was turning point for Tokyo 2020, claims Takeda