'I'm done' - south Essex's Olympic champion Max Whitlock announces retirement

Max Whitlock has announced this summer’s Olympics will mark the end of his glittering gymnastics career after more than two decades of making history.

The 31-year-old, who trains at South Essex Gymnastics Club in Basildon Sporting Village, has won three Olympic gold medals and three world titles over the course of his career as one of the greatest British athletes of his generation.

He has since gone on to build a flourishing business, rolling out bespoke gymnastics courses for children, with the Max Whitlock Gymnastics Club locations in Southend and Colchester.

Now, Whitlock, who was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2022, says the decision to retire after the upcoming Paris games "feels right".

Max Whitlock at the opening of his new gym at Thorpe Hall School (Image: File photo)

“I know deep inside that Paris 2024 feels like the right time to say, ‘I’m done’. For 24 years I’ve been pushing to do everything I possibly can,” he told the PA news agency.

“I’ve got one final opportunity to grab, and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”

Whitlock won two Olympic gold medals – on floor and pommel – within two hours on an unforgettable Sunday afternoon in Rio, as well as defending his world crown in Montreal and Stuttgart in 2017 and 2019 respectively.

Max Whitlock (centre), Georgia-Mae Fenton (left) and Courtney Tulloch at the South Essex Gymnastics Club (Image: PA)

But his fondest memory remains his first significant step on the global stage at London 2012, where he was part of a history-making bronze medal-winning men’s team and also took individual bronze on pommel, paving the way for his future exploits.

Whitlock, who has a daughter named Willow with his wife Leah Hickton, explained his growing family and business have given him renewed confidence that life without the constant calling to improve and excel can be equally rewarding.

“I’m equally passionate about the business I’ve set up, that creates a massive impact among young children, and the two complement each other because the enthusiasm I get from that is helping me have a really positive outlook in the gym.”

He added: “Working towards that end goal of my fourth and final Olympics is so exciting, and it will hopefully put me in a position to push the boundaries further, and make this final chapter the best it can possibly be.”