Max Whitlock has dominated the men's British gymnastic scene for many years and quickly became Britain's most successful gymnast. The sporting star is currently a guest presenter for the BBC coverage of the Commonwealth Games as he is not competing himself due to injury. You can read the full lineup of presenters and commentators here.
The sporting star has numerous medals and titles to his name and is also married to his childhood sweetheart. Max is married to Leah Hickton, who is also a gymnast.
Max who is from Hemel Hempstead, met Essex-born Leah at the local children's gym South Essex Gymnasts Club when he was just 12 years old. The couple have been together for 14 years and became engaged in 2016.
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Max proposed to Leah in the Lake District. She told The Express: "It was a beautiful place and we went for a walk around the grounds and he laid down a picnic blanket and asked me."
The sporting star said the proposal was "probably more nerve-racking than being in an Olympic Games". Max and Leah married in 2017 and in 2019 welcomed their first child, a daughter called Willow.
Max posted the news on Twitter. He said: "Welcome Willow Whitlock to the world – Born Saturday February 23, weighing 7lb 13. It's the most amazing, proud indescribable feeling! My girls are incredible".
At the time, Max told HELLO! Magazine: "Willow is definitely my proudest achievement. She's so happy and already smiling – it's definitely not just wind! – and she’s just such a chilled baby. We’re very lucky."
In 2020 Max spoke about gaining a "newfound respect for Leah" after her eight hours of labour. He told The Daily Mail: "Watching her go through eight hours of labour in hospital was one of the scariest feelings in the world. She was incredible, using hypnobirthing techniques to cope with the pain."
Currently the family lives in Essex where Max also trains. The 29-year-old is missing competing in the 2022 Commonwealth Games as part of his break from the sport.
Speaking to Balance The Grind in 2021, Max explained he was trying to reduce his training hours so he can spend more time at home with Willow. He said: “I love being at home and going away has always been difficult but since Willow’s been born it’s ten times harder."
Max added: “My aim is to slowly build up to 25 hours a week, which I think will help me avoid injury and fulfil my dream of competing for another eight years."
During his career Max has won three Olympic gold medals, four Commonwealth Games gold medals, and three World Championship gold medals. He has also won three bronze Olympic medals and competes in all-round, team, floor, and pommel horse. The star is best known for his success on the pommel horse.
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