Max, thank you for every triumph...and every tear

IN the bowels of the Bercy Arena in Paris, Max Whitlock had a request for the listening media.

- ANDY DUNN

"I don't want you to take those tears the wrong way." But whatever way you took those tears, you would almost certainly not be wrong.

Tears of sadness that the greatest career in British gymnastic history was over? Yes.

Despite missing a podium finish here, Whitlock's achievements six Olympic medals, including three golds - are unparalleled in the British annals of the sport.

Tears of frustration and, even, anger, that he did not produce the farewell performance he dreamt of? Absolutely.

When the high emotion of the occasion began to loosen its grip, Whitlock spoke repeatedly of "small errors" that cost him a medal in a pommel horse final of staggeringly high quality.

Tears of happiness that his family, including five-year-old daughter Willow, could be there to see the last routine of such an inspirational, storied, stellar career? Most definitely.

"It's the proudest feeling," said Whitlock (below), before the tears won the fight. "I've done this sport for 24 years.

"I've always said I want to have children young so they can watch me compete."