OLYMPIC superstars received a heroes’ welcome as they returned to Basildon after putting on a show in Paris, including Max Whitlock as he turns his attention to life post-retirement.
A huge homecoming celebration was held at Basildon Sporting Village yesterday to honour Max – the UK’s most successful gymnast – Georgia Mae-Fenton and Courtney Tulloch in front of a packed stand full of families.
All three of the athletes train at South Essex Gymnastics Club at the sporting village, and were welcomed with open arms yesterday by friends, family and fans.
The Team GB athletes all had huge grins on their faces as they walked into the club to cheers and whoops after the Olympics, which saw Max compete in his final competition while Georgia made her Olympic debut.
After 24 years of competing at the highest level, Max missed out on a medal by just 0.100 of a point in the pommel horse but still finishes his career as the country’s most successful gymnast.
He said: “Being honest, I have replayed that routine in my head 100 times, only a few days out from it, it is tough and really tricky.
“Personally, I would have loved a dream outcome, I am a competitor, but sport is hard and can be savage and my small mistake cost me.
“I wanted it a lot and you have only what goes into it, I would have loved it to go to plan but mistakes happen.
“I have to try and think back to London 2012 when I dreamt of a medal and didn’t know if it was possible.”
Having started Max Whitlock Gymnastics LTD at the end of last year, Max is finding a renewed sense of purpose by trying to help grassroots gymnastics flourish.
He said: “I want to change how it is done in the grassroots. I want to help teachers build confidence.
“Teachers fear gymnastics across the board and find it a scary sport. What we want to do is take it back to the real fundamentals, what the sport can bring. I want as many schools as possible and young children involved, it is online and that can make an impact.
“One of the best feelings is parents coming up to you to say I have inspired their son or daughter but if I can provide the vehicle for them to take part in it, I can look back with pride.”
Max began training in Basildon at the age of 19 after growing up in Hemel Hempstead, and sent a huge heartfelt thank you to the town for the support he has received over the years.
“I have been coming to Basildon since the age of 12, a long time, and I think I owe a thank you,” he added.
“The local support is incredible and the support is what pushes you through, I am grateful.”
For Georgia-Mae, taking part in the games was “everything I dreamed of”, having joined South Essex Gymnastics in 2020, something she calls the “best thing I ever did.”
She said: “I couldn’t have asked for more from myself.
“I get quite nervous in competitions but because I have worked my whole life, I didn’t feel nervous and I did the best routines I could, I couldn’t have hoped for more.”
During qualifications at the Olympic Games, Georgia-Mae helped Great Britain qualify to the team final and individually she qualified to the all-around final.
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