Max Whitlock announces retirement from gymnastics after Paris 2024 Olympics

Max Whitlock, Britain’s most successful gymnast, has announced his retirement from the sport following the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. The three-time Olympic gold medallist has had an illustrious career, winning a total of 32 international medals, including three Olympic gold medals.

Whitlock, 31, made his Olympic debut in London in 2012, where he secured two bronze medals in the team and pommel horse events. He then went on to win his first Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 on the pommel horse, adding a bronze in the all-around event. In 2020, he successfully defended his pommel horse gold at the Tokyo Olympics.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Whitlock expressed that the decision to retire after the Paris Games “feels right.” He mentioned that he has always wanted to prove people wrong and has had the mindset of continuing in the sport for as long as possible.

One of Whitlock’s main motivations for competing in Paris 2024 is his daughter Willow, who was born in 2019. Whitlock was unable to have his daughter watch him compete in Tokyo due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions on international fans. He is looking forward to the opportunity for Willow to witness him compete at the Olympics in Paris.

Whitlock will be participating in the European Championships in Italy at the end of April before the British Olympic gymnastics squad is announced in June. The Paris Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

As Whitlock prepares for his final Olympic Games, fans and supporters will be eagerly watching to see him leave a lasting legacy in the world of gymnastics.