Gymnast Jay Thompson inspired by team-mates at World Championships

Thompson, who is currently fighting his way back from an Achilles injury, could only watch on as Max Whitlock and Brinn Bevan shone for Great Britain in Glasgow.

But their medal winning displays have made Thompson even more determined to reach the top of the sport.

“I’m really proud of how well they did but I’m jealous as well because it’s something I want to be doing as well,” said the 19-year-old.

“Due to circumstances I couldn’t be there taking part but it’s certainly something that motivates me because I’ve seen how successful they are and I want that too.”

Thompson watched the opening few days of the event in Scotland which also saw another South Essex Gymnastics Club star Reiss Beckford making his Jamaican debut.

But the youngster now also knows he is capable of following in their foot-steps.

“It’s seems more achievable for me now and it’s definitely something that could happen,” said Thompson.

“However, I’m working on getting back fit at the moment and I can’t afford to rush back.”

Thompson suffered the injury during training which eventually led to him having to have his Achilles stitched back together during surgery.

But he is pleased by the progress he is making.

“I’m 10 weeks post op and things are starting to pick up for me now,” said Thompson.

“I’m managing to do some stuff in the gym and I can do a lot more than last year when my elbow injury was a lot worse.

“Now I can do everything but floor and vault so I’ll be making sure they will be strong when I get back.”

And Thompson hopes to be able to return in time to be able to push for Olympic selection next summer.

“In my mind it will be a massive struggle but I’ll still be pushing as hard as I can for Rio,” said Thompson.

“There are the Europeans as well and I’ll be pushing to back on all six by the time the British Championships comes around.

“But for now it’s just about working hard in training. I’ve been massively lonely training on my own.

“I’ve missed the guys a lot so it’s great to have them back here again.”

>Thompson was keen to thank his sponsors Paul Lancaster, My Protein and Groovy Food Company for their continued support.

Thompson, who is currently fighting his way back from an Achilles injury, could only watch on as Max Whitlock and Brinn Bevan shone for Great Britain in Glasgow.

But their medal winning displays have made Thompson even more determined to reach the top of the sport.

“I’m really proud of how well they did but I’m jealous as well because it’s something I want to be doing as well,” said the 19-year-old.

“Due to circumstances I couldn’t be there taking part but it’s certainly something that motivates me because I’ve seen how successful they are and I want that too.”

Thompson watched the opening few days of the event in Scotland which also saw another South Essex Gymnastics Club star Reiss Beckford making his Jamaican debut.

But the youngster now also knows he is capable of following in their foot-steps.

“It’s seems more achievable for me now and it’s definitely something that could happen,” said Thompson.

“However, I’m working on getting back fit at the moment and I can’t afford to rush back.”

Thompson suffered the injury during training which eventually led to him having to have his Achilles stitched back together during surgery.

But he is pleased by the progress he is making.

“I’m 10 weeks post op and things are starting to pick up for me now,” said Thompson.

“I’m managing to do some stuff in the gym and I can do a lot more than last year when my elbow injury was a lot worse.

“Now I can do everything but floor and vault so I’ll be making sure they will be strong when I get back.”

And Thompson hopes to be able to return in time to be able to push for Olympic selection next summer.

“In my mind it will be a massive struggle but I’ll still be pushing as hard as I can for Rio,” said Thompson.

“There are the Europeans as well and I’ll be pushing to back on all six by the time the British Championships comes around.

“But for now it’s just about working hard in training. I’ve been massively lonely training on my own.

“I’ve missed the guys a lot so it’s great to have them back here again.”

>Thompson was keen to thank his sponsors Paul Lancaster, My Protein and Groovy Food Company for their continued support.