Max Whitlock on importance of recognising unsung heroes

Six-times Olympic medal winning gymnast Max Whitlock has spoken about how his coaches inspired him when he was young as he takes on the role of ambassador for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award. The Unsung Hero Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to sports in their communities or at the grassroots level. These individuals often work behind the scenes, dedicating their time and efforts to support and develop sports without seeking recognition or financial gain.

Winners of the Unsung Hero Award are chosen based on their exceptional commitment to their local sporting communities, including their efforts to inspire and encourage participation in sports, improve access to sports for diverse groups, and provide opportunities for people to get involved in physical activity.

Max said: “For me, as a real youngster my sporting inspirations were my coaches. It wasn't until I got quite a bit older that I started watching more sport, and more gymnastics, and I started to look around and idolise the Japanese team - they were massively influential.

“I think you can have individuals that you idolise for different reasons, whether it's because you find them motivating to watch, or inspiring, or they encourage you. It can be very powerful to have that from a young age, especially you're influenced by the right things, it can lead you down a really good path.”

He added: “My local club was massively important. I've been a gymnast for 23 years and throughout my whole career I've had three coaches, so the ones I’ve had have been really impactful.

“My first ever gymnastics coach only coached me for a few months, and it was in a recreational gymnastics program, but those initial steps