Max Whitlock has hailed the current crop of British gymnasts as a “golden generation” and has pledged to prove it in tonight’s all-around final.
Whitlock won silver at last year’s World Championships in the event and has set his sights on forgetting about a late blip that cost the British team a medal in the all-around in Rio.
Whitlock is joined in the individual final by Nile Wilson, who was the leading British qualifier.
And Whitlock said: “I think it is a golden generation. We’re really lucky to all be here at the same time with the coaches we’ve got, the backing we’ve got, the support and the gyms.
“Everything has come together at the right time. It is a generation we can enjoy. Hopefully it can continue, hopefully that can breed more success.”
The 23-year-old has been the British star of his generation having won his all-round world silver, double Olympic bronze at London 2012 and world gold on the pommel horse at last year’s worlds. But Whitlock has pledged to not rest on his laurels until he cements his place in the record books.
His coach Scott Hann said: “Max and I have spoken about him wanting to be someone who is not just ‘good’ or is known for a short time, he wants to be a legend in the world of sport, not just gymnastics.
“We’ve spoken a lot about maintaining those results. Max has got the potential and opportunity to do that. If he can win medals in Rio, it could change the face of gymnastics in this country.”
