Historic double Olympic gold for Max Whitlock and silver for Louis Smith

Max Whitlock has been crowned double Olympic gymnastics champion in Rio after taking both the men’s floor and pommel horse titles, with Louis Smith MBE taking an incredible pommel silver. 

Max broke history by becoming GB’s first ever Olympic gold medallist and the first British gymnast to medal on the floor exercise at a Games. He now has a total of five Olympic medals (two in London and three in Rio), making him the most decorated Olympic gymnast in British history. These medals also give Team GB a total of five gymnastics medals in Rio making it their most successful ever, with more finals still to come. 

Starting on the floor, Max looked cool and calm under pressure, performing an outstanding routine with very few errors. He scored a strong 15.633 and then had to sit back and wait. As he did, each gymnast failed to outscore him and he was crowned the first ever British Gymnastics Olympic Champion.

Moving on to the pommel horse, Max had to very quickly refocus. Louis Smith joined him at this point as they both looked to fight it out for the top spot. Louis up first opted for his slightly easier, although still world class routine and set the benchmark of 15.833. Max didn’t hold back going for his difficult routine, knowing he needed to go all out to win gold. He executed it excellently to score 15.966 and take his second gold medal, with Louis taking the silver. 

Max Whitlock said: “This has outdone all of my expectations and I am proud to say I have made history. The Olympic Games only come around once every four years and that is what makes it so special.

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