Blog the first

So tell me, how and why is Max Whitlock involved in BBC Children in Need’s Jump for Pudsey

I am looking to raise the awareness of childhood sport and get as many kids involved in active regular activity.

And of course, the other hugely important thing is to raise money.

I love playing a part in something as important as this. Gymnastics is my life – it’s fun, hard work and very rewarding and Jump for Pudsey is a perfect way of introducing as many children as possible to one aspect of the sport – and keeping them involved.

The popularity of gymnastics after the Olympics is soaring and the more we as a national team can get great results and medals, the more we can attract the next generation.

This is not just a one-night event though– it’s a means of both raising money and producing healthy, active children for years to come.

How important is it having a rival and team mate like Louis Smith? Do you drive each other on by trying to outdo each other?

This is 100 per cent the best place British gymnastics has ever been.

The whole squad pushes to get the best out of each other and with the depth of the squad being so strong, we inspire each other.

I assume then you cannot get too pally with Louis or any of the squad then because you all want each others’ places…?

Gymastics is such a respectful team sport even though it is totally individual.

Because it’s so difficult and to get to the top takes years of dedicated training and commitment you show each other complete respect. You want them to do well as part of the team of course, and know the journey we have all been on to get this far.

Is modern day gymnastics the best the sport has ever been – and how far do you as gymnasts look to push the boundaries out when looking to create routines that for the most part are set?

The sport is constantly evolving. That is how it has to be and as gymnasts we have a huge effect on that.

But there are various reasons that affect the way we perform.

Luck plays a part of course no matter how hard you train and prepare.

But nowadays there are so many expert nutritionists and coaches playing leading roles, that it is very hard not to impress.

Success breeds success at every level and the advice we get is always the very best.

My coach and I always look to be different too. Of course we have to make sure we complete every compulsory element of every routine but it is all about leaving an individual mark on a performance, something that stands out in the judges’ minds. And again, that’s where the luck comes into it again.

And although there are 10 regulations and five elements, the peramaters change every four years so you always have to be creative .

How much do you hope an opponent makes an error or falls off when watching them?

If I am honest, I very rarely watch opponents during competitions. I do my best and cannot influence what they do so cannot see any point in watching them.

However, on the few times I do watch I am always aware of the huge respect that exists in gymnastics for each other.

As much as I want to win, I want to win because I am the best not because someone has an unfortunate slip or fall.

It is all about doing your best and beating the best. If I can do the first bit, I have a very good chance of doing the second bit – but I have never cheered an opponent falling off or messing up. That would not be respectful.

Did you manage to stay so calm in Rio when you won two Olympic golds – and how did you concentrate on that second one?

I am lucky that I am a naturally relaxed, laid-back sort of person and while I admit it was quite tough to block the first gold medal when I went for the second one, it was just something I had to do.

I was not watching anyone in else in that floor final – I told you I never watch opponents – and I was nudged and told I was Olympic champion as I was waiting my turn for the pommel horse.

I had to stay focused as the horse is something I really wanted to win. I could not afford to get excited or think about it so blocked it out and just looked forward to the new few minutes.

Of course, I did celebrate later. We had five days to ourselves after the competition was over but if I am really honest the fact I am a double Olympic champion and the manner in which it happened has not really sunk in yet.

The whole thing seems so surreal even now but without doubt it is the pinnacle of my career.

Finally, who inspires Max Whitlock? Who are your idols?

For me there are fewer people more importrant in British gymnastics than Beth Tweddle. She got the ball rolling, became a world champion and proved Brits could win things.

My all-time gymnastic idol is Japan’s Kōhei Uchimura who is quite the simply the best that ever lived. A three-time Olympic gold medal winner and 10-time world champion he is truly incredible.

But for all sports my complete hero is Usain Bolt. He gives everything every time he goes out and has the confidence and ability to prove he is the very best athlete that has ever lived.

You do not win a treble treble at the Olympics by accident and that he always delivers - making him the ultimate role model in my eyes.