Max Whitlock’s stellar Team GB Olympics career ends in agony after missing out on medal | Other | Sport
Max Whitlock missed out on an Olympic medal in agonising fashion, as the Team GB star’s illustrious career comes to a close.
Whitlock was aiming to become the first man to win three consecutive gold medals on the pommel horse, having topped the podium at the 2016 and 2020 Games in Rio and Tokyo.
It wasn’t to be for the three-time world champion though, who failed to top the early score set by Nariman Kurbanov from Kazakhstan.
Whitlock continued to slip down the leaderboard throughout a compelling final in Paris, with Team USA athlete Stephen Nedoroscik eventually knocking him out of medal contention.
His agony was summed up during the wait for Nedoroscik’s score, with Whitlock seen pacing around the Bercy Arena, before slumping back into his chair when it became clear he’d be out of the medals this time.
In what was his final appearance at the Olympics, the six-time Olympic medalist finished the pommel horse final in fourth, missing out on bronze by 0.100 points.
Speaking to the BBC after missing out on a medal, Whitlock said: “I think it’s very raw at the moment and I’d loved to have ended better here in Paris, but it is what it is.
“I don’t want anyone to look at the way I’m feeling now and think it’s a reflection of my career. I’m so proud to stand here today.
“It was a challenge getting here. I could’ve quit after Tokyo but I decided to come back. I think giving it a good shot, giving yourself the opportunity is definitely the way forward rather than quitting because of the fear of failure.
“Of course, I would’ve hoped for it to end better, but I came into Paris, it wasn’t based on the outcome, my decision to stop after Paris was based on being here at my fourth Olympics.”
On a happier note, Whitlock looked back with pride on his stellar career in gymnastics: “I’m pleased, I don’t want anyone to think I’m not very happy.
“It’s gutting, of course, it is… but I’m done now, I’m not a gymnast any longer, I’ve done my final routine. I can be very happy and I want to thank every single person who supported me along the way.”
An emotional Whitlock then struggled to hold back the tears when asked about his daughter seeing him compete, with the 31-year-old adding: “I think it’s the proudest feeling. I’ve done this sport for 24 years and I’ve always said I want to have children young so they can watch me compete.
“I feel very grateful to have been a gymnast. I feel very fortunate to have done a sport I have since I was seven years old, so it’s a long stint.
“I think one of the best comments is when I’ve inspired young children to get into gymnastics. I get the comments all the time… now I’m done with my competing career and I want to change gymnastics for the grassroots, that’s my next mission.”
Whitlock’s shortcomings did open the door for a new pommel horse champion, with Rhys McClenaghan taking Ireland’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in gymnastics.
Reigning world champion McClenaghan topped the standings with a stellar 15.533 score – a two-point increase on his effort from three years prior at Tokyo.
