Max Whitlock: Male gymnastics participation ‘through the roof’ due to UK success

Max Whitlock believes male participation in gymnastics “has gone through the roof” as a direct result of the achievements of medal winners over the last decade.

The six-time Olympic medallist was joined by England Commonwealth Games champions Courtney Tulloch and Georgia-Mae Fenton on Friday as they surprised a room full of young children at his first club, South Essex Gymnastics.

Speaking from the venue, Whitlock said the sport is “thriving” and claimed the rise in male participation is down to major victories from British men’s teams.

“Obviously, there’s still more girls who do (gymnastics) in the grand scheme of things than boys at the moment, but boys’ participation has gone through the roof,” he told the PA news agency.

“I think that’s purely down to results. On the men’s side, we’ve brought back quite a few good results over the last 10 years and I think that’s had a massive impact.

“It is incredible to be part of a sport that is absolutely thriving.”

Whitlock admitted that the sport has changed since he first began competing and said this is mainly down to the success of the 2012 London Olympics.

“I think ever since London 2012 we really wanted to take upon that role of inspiring next generation,” Whitlock said.

“The impact that London 2012 had on the nation and on sport as a whole, especially for gymnastics, was crazy.

“The sport isn’t the same as when I started. It’s just on completely different level now, which is incredible.

“One of my favourite comments I get is when people come and say to me that their son or daughter has joined gymnastics because they saw me and it’s crazy to think that I can have that impact just by doing something that I love.”

Whitlock said another factor in the rise in popularity of the