Max Whitlock has made his long-awaited return to the Great Britain squad for the upcoming European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Turkey.
The 30-year-old, who is the most successful artistic gymnast in GB history, has been absent from the sport since winning his third Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020.
Whitlock admitted last year that he considered retiring after the Games in 2021 during a struggle with his mental health, but the four-time European champion is back in the squad for next month's competition.
Whitlock is joined in the men's contingent by reigning European vault champion Jake Jarman, as well as Courtney Tulloch, Joshua Nathan, Harry Hepworth and Luke Whitehouse - the latter two of whom are making their senior international debuts. World floor champion Giarnni Regini-Moran is absent as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
Meanwhile, there is also a noteworthy comeback for Becky Downie in the women's team, as the 31-year-old returns to the international stage for the first time since the 2021 World Championships.
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A recognisable women's team also features world floor champion Jessica Gadirova, Alice Kinsella, Georgia-Mae Fenton and Ondine Achampong, but there is no place for Jennifer Gadirova.
"After a hugely successful series of major events, culminating in full artistic gymnastics qualification secured for Paris, we're delighted to announce the gymnasts heading to the European Championships and we look forward to supporting them and their coaches to achieve more memorable and inspirational performances in Antalya," British Gymnastics Performance Director Tracy Whittaker-Smith said.
"The return to major championship action of Max Whitlock OBE and Becky Downie are hugely welcome and exciting for all involved whilst senior major championships debutante's Harry Hepworth and Luke Whitehouse will no doubt gain invaluable experience from being alongside a team of gymnasts who have achieved so much and have been performing so spectacularly.
"With a strong list of established GB gymnasts progressing to full fitness and form after a busy 2022 and many up-and-coming younger names to look out for it's clear that there is a great pool of talent for us all to be excited about with less than 500 days to go to The Olympic Games."
The European Championships take place from April 11-16.
Ben Knapton
