Max back in contention for a World Championship medal as Wilson withdraws

Hemel Hempstead gymnast Max Whitlock has been handed a place in the men’s all-round individual final at the World Artistic Championships in Nanning following the withdrawal of British team-mate Nile Wilson.
Max Whitlock won an excellent silver medalMax Whitlock won an excellent silver medal
Max Whitlock won an excellent silver medal

Wilson has been carrying a sore wrist throughout the competitions in China, that has been superbly managed by the medical staff.

However, in light of this and with the priority being Wilson’s long-term gymnastics career, Whitlock will replace him in the all-around final.

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Whitlock qualified by right as the third-placed GB gymnast but was initially excluded from the final by the ‘only two gymnasts per federation’ rule. Wilson said: “I’m obviously very disappointed, as I’m feeling great otherwise and have been really enjoying my first World Championships.

“But my wrist was pretty sore today so I made the decision to pull out and save myself for the high bar final.

“The medical staff and coaches are unanimous that this is the right decision to make. I’ll be right behind Max and Dan Purvis in the all-around and can’t wait for the high bar on Sunday.”