There were three main contenders in the Open weight division: Willem Ruska of the Netherlands, Vitaly Kuznetsov of the Soviet Union and Masatoshi Shinomaki from Japan. On paper, the top favorite was Ruska, for he had won the heavyweight division on Day One. But Shinomaki was a double World Champion in the Open weight division. In 1969, he defeated Ruska in the World Championship final. And in 1971, he defeated Kuznetsov. So, Japan was definitely in the running for the Open weight gold.
Munich 1972, Open: Willem Ruska (NED)
Munich 1972, Open: Willem Ruska (NED)
Munich 1972, Open: Willem Ruska (NED)
There were three main contenders in the Open weight division: Willem Ruska of the Netherlands, Vitaly Kuznetsov of the Soviet Union and Masatoshi Shinomaki from Japan. On paper, the top favorite was Ruska, for he had won the heavyweight division on Day One. But Shinomaki was a double World Champion in the Open weight division. In 1969, he defeated Ruska in the World Championship final. And in 1971, he defeated Kuznetsov. So, Japan was definitely in the running for the Open weight gold.