Max Whitlock comeback is inspirational, says coach

Scott Hann (left) said he was "incredibly proud" of Max Whitlock

The coach of three-time Olympic gold medallist Max Whitlock has described the gymnast's comeback as "absolutely inspirational".

Whitlock revealed he was coming out of retirement to try and make the 2028 Los Angeles games, in a surprise announcement on Monday.

The 32-year-old from Hertfordshire, who is Britain's most successful gymnast, missed out on a podium place at the 2024 games in Paris.

Scott Hann, his coach at South Essex Gymnastics Club in Basildon, said: "I think he wants to go back out there and finish some unfinished business."

Whitlock won two gold medals at Rio 2016 and another at Tokyo 2020, and will be 35 by the start of the next competition.

Speaking to BBC Look East on Tuesday, Whitlock said it was "a big decision" for him - but he was "excited to give it everything" at the next games.

After finishing fourth at Paris, he said "it felt like the right time to stop" but added that something "did not sit right finishing at that note".

"I think this is the opportunity and I am going to grab it and come back," he said.

"He was really, really adamant he wanted to commit fully and try and push those boundaries and get to compete in LA in 2028," said Mr Hann, who met Whitlock when the gymnast was 12.

"It is absolutely inspirational and such a great thing for people to look up to."

Whitlock secured two gold medals at the 2016 games in Rio

Whitlock, from Hemel Hempstead, faces a challenge to get back into peak shape ahead of taking on younger athletes.

'Role model'

He accepted that he would need longer to prepare and that he may face more setbacks on the road ahead, according to Mr Hann.

"As you get older you get a few more aches and pains, [and] if you do get little niggles and injuries it takes a little bit longer to recover," Mr Hann said.

Whitlock said training was "tough" but he was "absolutely loving" getting back into training after a year off.

"Some may think it is a dangerous game finishing on a high, but I think I would rather take that risk than not take it at all," he said.

Mr Hann said his phone exploded with messages after Whitlock, who is also his brother-in-law, made the announcement on Monday.

"Seeing him grow as a person, as a family man, as someone who's so inspirational, a role model – it makes me incredibly proud," he continued.

"Everybody is behind him, everybody believes in him and we're all going to be massive supporters of this journey."

Mr Hann said he was confident Whitlock could make the grade for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles

Mr Hann said he was confident Whitlock could make the final cut for Los Angeles, adding: "He's got the skillset, he's got the experience, he's got the confidence.

"I don't want to tempt fate, but I believe in him."