Hemel Hempstead's Max Whitlock gets MBE from the Queen

Hemel Hempstead's golden gymnast Max Whitlock has said he is 'honoured' - after he received an MBE from the Queen.
Max Whitlock has capped off a memorable 12 months by earning an MBEMax Whitlock has capped off a memorable 12 months by earning an MBE
Max Whitlock has capped off a memorable 12 months by earning an MBE

Max, 24, who was born in the town and hails from Adeyfield, won two gold medals and one bronze medal in a memorable summer at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

In the process he became GB’s first ever Olympic gold medalist, and the first British gymnast to medal on the floor exercise.

His five Olympic medals make the former Longdean School pupil the most decorated Olympic gymnast in British history.

And Queen Elizabeth II honoured those achievements by inviting Max to Buckingham Palace yesterday, where he received his gong for his services to gymnastics as part of the New Year's Honours list.

Max wrote on Facebook after meeting the monarch: "I am truly honoured, amazing day. Shows what's possible for young athletes #inspireageneration #MBE.

"The Queen spoke to me about how amazing she thought gymnastics is and how it looks like it should be impossible to do."

Max also said Her Majesty showed an interest in 'the rise of the sport'.