Max, thank you for every triumph...and every tear
The Sunday Mirror|August 04, 2024
IN the bowels of the Bercy Arena in Paris, Max Whitlock had a request for the listening media.
ANDY DUNN
Max, thank you for every triumph...and every tear

"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."

This story is from the August 04, 2024 edition of The Sunday Mirror.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 04, 2024 edition of The Sunday Mirror.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE SUNDAY MIRRORView All
Zeezy does it
The Sunday Mirror

Zeezy does it

FEMI LAST-GASP\LEVELLER,DENIES CATS

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Leading an Art Lesson
The Sunday Mirror

Leading an Art Lesson

GUNNERS TURN ON THE STYLE TO SNAP MISERABLE RUN

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
ODETO A GENIUS
The Sunday Mirror

ODETO A GENIUS

Gunners skipper is poetry in motion inspiring classic win

time-read
3 mins  |
November 24, 2024
'WE CAN'T RELY ON KIDS TO STAY IN THIS LEAGUE'
The Sunday Mirror

'WE CAN'T RELY ON KIDS TO STAY IN THIS LEAGUE'

TAYLOR HARWOOD-BELLIS and Tyler Dibling are stars in the making.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
BELLAMY'S TRIUMPH SHINES A LIGHT ON FA'S PRICEY GAMBLE
The Sunday Mirror

BELLAMY'S TRIUMPH SHINES A LIGHT ON FA'S PRICEY GAMBLE

CRAIG BELLAMY'S annual salary as Wales manager is not widely known, but most estimates have it around the £500,000 mark.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Why I blame baby talc for my cancer
The Sunday Mirror

Why I blame baby talc for my cancer

Brit suing US giant over asbestos link tells how her health fell apart

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
The tip of climate change
The Sunday Mirror

The tip of climate change

Coastal landslips expose old rubbish dumps to sea

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
Chaos reigns at Cop29 as nations walk over finance
The Sunday Mirror

Chaos reigns at Cop29 as nations walk over finance

COP29 collapsed into chaos yesterday with delegates from several countries walking out on the climate change talks.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
You can earn more working for IKEA than in social care ... Labour wants to fix that
The Sunday Mirror

You can earn more working for IKEA than in social care ... Labour wants to fix that

A FAIR pay deal for care staff will help fix our creaking NHS, Angela Rayner says.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 24, 2024
The Sunday Mirror

Denzel swaps $8,000 booze sessions for Training Days

DENZEL Washington says he is getting back in shape after spending years downing wine and sometimes knocking back $8,000-worth in a day.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024