Whitlock: Challenge is harder every time
OLYMPIC champion Max Whitlock says retaining gymnastics titles is “a million times harder” than competing as a youngster “with nothing to lose”.
The 28-year-old, from Hemel Hempstead, Herts, defended his title in the men’s pommel horse in Tokyo, taking gold for the second time.
He told BBC Breakfast: “Because I brought back gold in Rio, at the previous Olympic Games, people expected me to do the same again this time but, actually, every year that goes by, it gets harder and harder.
Motivated
“You never want to disappoint or be seen as a failure or anything like that.
“My own pressure was ramped up and outside pressure was ramped up, so with that all coming together and having to wait to compete – it was difficult.”
Olympic double gold medallist swimmer Adam Peaty, 26, appeared alongside Whitlock and said he is planning time off.
He said: “I love to push myself, I love to be challenged and to be uncomfortable, because it keeps me alive.
“Every person has a certain level of burnout, and it’s about asking what keeps it fresh.
“What keeps you motivated? What keeps you committed?
“I don’t want to be able to force myself through that.”