Max Whitlock, Three-time Olympic Champion, to Retire After Paris 2024 Games

Max Whitlock, the three-time Olympic gold medallist, has announced his retirement from gymnastics after the Paris 2024 Games. The 31-year-old, who is Britain’s most successful gymnast with 32 major international medals, will be looking to add to his impressive collection as he aims to become the first gymnast to win four Olympic medals on the same apparatus.

Whitlock’s Olympic journey began at the London 2012 Games, where he won bronze in the pommel horse and helped Great Britain secure a team bronze. He continued his success at the Rio 2016 Olympics, winning bronze in the all-around event and becoming Britain’s first individual Olympic gold medallist in artistic gymnastics.

The gymnastics star’s decision to retire comes after much contemplation, with Whitlock expressing his desire to give his all in his final Olympic Games. His motivation for Paris 2024 stems from wanting his five-year-old daughter Willow to witness him compete at the highest level.

After missing out on the opportunity to have international fans in Tokyo due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Whitlock is looking forward to having Willow in the crowd cheering him on. The proud father is excited at the prospect of sharing the Olympic experience with his daughter and hopes to have a special moment with her at the Paris Games.

Whitlock will be showcasing his skills at the upcoming European Championships in Italy before the British Olympic gymnastics squad is announced in June. With the Tokyo Olympics taking place between 26 July and 11 August, fans can expect to see Whitlock give his all in his final bid for Olympic glory before bidding farewell to a remarkable career.