The following year, he was a member of the Japanese men's team which won a bronze in the 2003 World Championships.

The prize is given in recognition of athletes who demonstrate remarkable elegance in the course of an international competition at world level; the decision was unanimous.

In addition to the trophy, designed by the Swiss artist Piero Travaglini, recipients also receive a wristwatch from the Longines Evidenza collection and a check for US$5,000.

In the 2006 World Championships, Tomita missed a full-twisting Kovacs on high bar in the team competition.

Tomita gave an inspired performance and won the silver, behind Chinese gymnast, Yang Wei.

However, Japanese head coach, Koji Gushiken, announced that Tomita would replace Sakamoto and compete in the all-around, owing to his experience.

Tomita was shown to be in pain after his fall and was later observed to be applying an ice pack to his neck.

Apparently, the accident caused Tomita to injure his neck, shoulder and lower back.

In the end, French gymnast Benoît Caranobe edged out Tomita for an all-around bronze by 0.175.

In an interview, Tomita said that did not give up until the end as he had been given the opportunity to compete in the event by taking the place of teammate Koki Sakamoto, who had a better score than he did in the qualifying.

Tomita cited the decline of his strength and the inability to continue performing gymnastics at a high level as the reason for his retirement.

In his final competition in the high bar, Tomita performed with his signature skills and elegance, the only obvious error he committed was when he touched his hand to the mat after his dismount.