MX23RW : Friday, March 29 00:47:01| >> :600:222680521:222680521:

Max Whitlock to take six-month break from gymnastics

Max Whitlock to take six-month break
© BBC
Double Olympic champion Max Whitlock announces that he intends to take a six-month break from the sport in order to try to prolong his career.

Max Whitlock has said that he "needs to manage his body" after announcing that he intends to take a six-month break from competition.

Last summer, Whitlock became Great Britain's first ever gymnastics gold medallist at the Olympic Games as he emerged victorious in the floor and pommel disciplines, but he has revealed that he will miss a number of upcoming events after opting to spend some time on the sidelines.

The 24-year-old said: "I know 100% that it's the right decision. I want to continue to compete at the very highest level aiming towards the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

"I'm very conscious that since suffering from glandular fever two years ago, I need to manage my body."

Whitlock's decision means that he will be absent from the iPro World Cup in London and the European Championships, which both take place in April.

ID:293362: cacheID:293362:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1109:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Andy Murray holds up his champion trophy at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on October 9, 2016
Read Next:
BBC SPOTY contenders announced
>
Read more about Max Whitlock Gymnastics