Max Whitlock, Britain’s most successful gymnast, to retire after Paris 2024
Max Whitlock has announced that Paris 2024 will be his fourth and final Olympic Games.
The 31-year-old won three Olympic golds and three World titles on his way to becoming Great Britain’s most successful gymnast of all time.
When Whitlock stepped away from gymnastics after Tokyo 2020, he had no intention of returning.
But since coming back in 2023, he is more motivated now than ever to retain his title.
“It’s weird to think about and to say, but I’ve decided Paris 2024 will be my fourth and final Olympics,” he told Team GB.
“I was adamant that I was done with gymnastics after Tokyo. Now coming back, I’ve given myself that opportunity to make four Olympic Games and a big source of motivation for me is to retain that title.
“I used to avoid thinking about winning medals and just focus on my job but it’s actually really difficult to do that so now I’m trying to switch that mindset and use it as a new source of motivation for the first time.”
Whitlock is adamant that he would not have returned to the sport if he did not feel he had it in him to win gold once more.
In his pursuit of another title, he wants to continue using his platform to inspire others.
“My Olympic experience has been unbelievable,” he continued.
“One of the best things is I have been in a position to inspire and encourage others to take up sport - it’s one of the most humbling comments I get when parents tell me that their child started gymnastics because they saw me on TV.
“I want to continue to make that impact and give children the best opportunities through sport.”