Japanese Olympic gold medalist Uchimura Kohei has ended his 30-year-career in gymnastics, performing all six events at an exhibition for the final time.

He announced in January that he is retiring from competition.

Uchimura won gold medals back-to-back in the individual all-round in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

He also took the top title six times consecutively in the world championship starting in 2009.

Uchimura told NHK in an interview after the event on Saturday that he is proud of himself for having been able to pursue gymnastics, which he loves to this day.

The 33-year-old said that what he achieved as a result is not much to be proud of, but that he can be proud of his love for and pursuit of gymnastics.

He said he did not give in, even in difficult times such as failing to advance from the preliminary round in the Tokyo Olympic Games.

He added that he could pull himself together to move forward.

Uchimura said that he believes he practiced more than anybody in the world and that is the least enjoyable and hardest thing to do.

He said that he pressured himself every day to beat himself, to work on rehabilitation after injuries and did unpleasant things as long as they are for the sake of gymnastics.

He noted that he can commend himself for those efforts.

When he was asked about his future plans, Uchimura said that he wants to be most knowledgeable about gymnastics so that he can answer to any questions from any gymnast of any age.

He said he wants to be like a walking and talking dictionary which others can consult on mental and technical sides of the sport.

He added that others may know well about the technical side but he can add his experience to knowledge and if he could hone his knowledge to perfection, he can be most powerful.

Uchimura plans to continue practicing, to be involved in gymnastics events and to contribute in expanding and evolving gymnastics in society.