Herts Gymnast Helps Inspire Next Generation
6 August 2012, 15:00
A Hertfordshire gymnast says he's pleased his and the rest of Team GB's success is already inspiring youngsters into sport.
19 year-old Max Whitlock was part of the Bronze medal winning gymnastic team in the Olympics last week - and yesterday - won an individual bronze in the men's pommel horse.
Speaking to Heart Max, who's from Hemel Hempstead, says: "I've heard from a lot of people say they are interested in going to gym now, it's a great feeling to know you've inspired a lot of young people to go into sport."
Max added: "It's made people realise that gymnastics - and sport across Team GB - can get medals (in the Olympics) and I think we've proved that this year."
Asked about his success so far Max told us: "To come away from a home Games, our own Olympics, I couldn't be more happy. As a team we've got so many medals out of this - and I'm looking forward to watching the rest of the team compete for more."
Max concluded: "The atmosphere from the supporters has been amazing - it's really helped the team on in the gymnastics."
MAX FACT FILE
- 1993: Born January 13 in Hemel Hempstead.
- 2010: Wins team gold, all-around silver, floor and pommel horse gold at the Junior European Championships. Also takes pommel horse silver and bronze on the high bar at the Commonwealth Games.
- 2011: Travels to the World Championships in Tokyo as a reserve.
- 2012: Wins European team gold
- July 30 - Wins Olympic team bronze at the London Games.
- August 5 - Wins Olympic bronze in the men's pommel horse.