OLYMPIC hero Max Whitlock was welcomed by crowds of excited fans as he returned to the place where it all began after bringing home gold in this year’s games.

The gymnast, who trains at the south Essex Gymnastics Club, took the award in the men’s pommel horse competition on Sunday, retaining his Olympic title.

Yesterday he visited Basildon Sporting Village and was greeted by dozens of fans.

Basildon Mayor David Dadds, and senior councillor Craig Rimmer also congratulated the gymnast on his resounding success.

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As a gold medallist at the Rio games in 2016, the tremendous achievement came as the sixth Olympic medal of his career.

The 28-year-old touched down from Tokyo at Heathrow Airport earlier this week, wearing his medal.

Mr Dadds said: “It truly is such an honour, this has been an amazing achievement for Max which will definitely inspire others.

“It illustrates the sheer excellence he has in his sport and as an individual, and shows what you can achieve if you put your mind to it.

“People can aspire to do great things in Basildon and this is just one of these examples.”

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Paddy Keeble, 27, from Basildon, added: “His win is both brilliant for him and for the borough, it helps put Basildon on the map.

“It really is great to see a local boy doing his thing on the world stage, and I think it will encourage a few more youngsters to get involved in sport too. I think the win could even inspire a whole other generation of kids to take part. Well done to him.”

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Photo: PA

Max, who threw down an early gauntlet to his competitors by going first on the pommel, said he felt “absolutely lost for words” and “completely overwhelmed” after his win.

Basildon’s iconic Hollywood-style sign on the A127 was also lit up gold in his honour.

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Councillor Craig Rimmer, who personally congratulated Max for his success, said: “We are so very proud. Not only is he one of the greatest British Olympians, but I think he will be one of the best of all time.

“He’s used our facilities here in the borough, and really inspired youngsters from round here to get active. The gymnastics club is thriving, which drove us to create a second facility at Eversley too.”

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Photo: PA

Laurie Thompson, 40, from Basildon, added: "It's amazing to have someone whose trained round here in the Olympics and to do as well as he has. It goes to show it doesn't matter where you come from, you can make it if you put the work in."