Nagoya (Japan), Sept. 26 -- Aiko Sugihara emerged as an unexpected winner on the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games gymnastics floor after injuries and temporarily stepping away from competition had disrupted the 27-year-old's career.
Sugihara edged China's favorite Ke Qinqin to become the first Japanese woman to win the Asian Games women's all-around title and also took a floor exercise gold medal.
Standing on the Nagoya podium between two 16-year-olds, Sugihara answered everyone who thought her time had passed.
"I like to think I've been able to prove that you can have success in gymnastics in your late 20s,"she said, competing through years of scoliosis and recurring ligament injuries.
"My message is, don't compare yourself to others and take ...