Craig Heap: 'Max Whitlock can become Britain's best ever gymnast'

Published: December 15 2014 | 09:50

Last updated: December 16 2014 | 17:05

Craig Heap believes that Max Whitlock has the potential to become Great Britain's best ever gymnast.

Former gymnast Craig Heap has claimed that Max Whitlock has the talent to become Britain's best ever athlete in the sport.

The 21-year-old has three Commonwealth gold medals, three European titles and two Olympic bronze medals to his name.

"For me, Max has definitely got the potential to become Britain's best ever male gymnast," the Echo quotes Heap as saying.

"Finishing second in all around final at the World Championships this year equalled our best-ever finish from Dan Keatings. But Max has already won two medals at the Olympics and is now just one behind Louis Smith in that total.

"He has the talent to win even more at Rio 2016 and I'm sure he will be challenging on the pommel, in the all around and in the team event too."

Whitlock was nominated for BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award, but lost out as Jo Pavey finished third, Rory McIlroy claimed second spot and Mercedes Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton was crowned the winner.