Paris: British gymnastics star Max Whitlock said on Wednesday he was relishing his “shot at history” in his final Olympics.
Pommel horse specialist Whitlock is bidding to become the first gymnast to medal on the same apparatus at four Olympics.
“I scrolled through Wikipedia a lot just to confirm that,” the 31-year-old laughed after an impressive training session at the Paris Bercy Arena where he will bid for a seventh Olympic medal starting in Saturday’s men’s qualifying.
“That history can be made was one of the reasons that got me excited as well. Especially when I was in that period where I didn’t know if I wanted to come back,” said Whitlock.
“When I thought about coming back, I looked up stuff like this. Every tiny bit of motivation helps. The opportunity to try to make history is what I want.”
'Massively grateful'
Whitlock won two gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics on the pommel horse and floor, as well as the all-round bronze. He successfully defended the pommel horse title in Tokyo three years ago.
The British gymnast also won two bronze medals at the London Games in 2012 in the men’s team event and pommel horse.
“I nearly stopped gymnastics altogether after Tokyo, so for me to be in this position here I feel massively grateful,” he said.
“I’m back and giving myself the chance to give it a good shot and have the opportunity and challenge ahead. That almost reduces a bit of the pressure for me.”
The British men’s team will also be bidding to make the podium with Russia not competing.
Whitlock will be joined by Joe Fraser, back from injury, reigning vault world champion Jake Jarman, Harry Hepworth, and European floor gold medallist Luke Whitehouse.
Applause
On Wednesday, Whitlock earned applause for his pommel horse routine as the men trained for the first time at the competition arena.
“I think the whole team enjoyed that a lot. I think we got some good stuff,” he said.
Having his family and five-year-old daughter Willow — a budding gymnast herself — in the audience also motivated his return after the Tokyo Games behind closed doors.
“I’m mega-excited because Willow can watch an Olympic Games for real, rather than watching videos. That means a lot to me,” he said.
“She’s doing competitions herself. We don’t force gymnastics but she fully understands it. She just seems to love it, which is amazing for me.
“It almost feels like everyone is just taking it in a little bit more because this is my last one.”
