Gymnast recognised as one of UK's most influential people

The 22-year-old capped off a stunning 2015 last month, when he was shortlisted for Sports Personality Of The Year.

And the social guide puts him alongside such luminaries as novelist Salman Rushdie, Bank of England governor Mark Carney, a variety of leading politicians and church leaders, plus Lenny Henry.

Debrett’s cites the 21 major medals that Mac has already earned through his career, including becoming the first British man to win a world title last year and his medal-winning performance at the London 2012 Olympics.

Debrett’s is a specialist publisher, founded in 1769, which is known for publications on the British peerage and traditional etiquette.

Each year it also produces the Debrett’s 500, which recognises several hundred of the UK’s most influential people from spheres such as arts, politics, music, finance and sport.

Max’s write-up adds: “At the start of last year Whitlock became the face of a campaign for British designer Paul Smith, ‘A Suit to Travel In’, which saw him performing gymnastic moves in a suit to demonstrate its crease-resistant flexibility.”