The 31-year-old, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, arrives in the French capital for an emotional farewell tour following his decision to retire after these Olympics.

Whitlock's Olympic journey began with two bronze medals at the London 2012 Games. He then claimed two gold medals at Rio 2016 and successfully defended his pommel horse title in Tokyo three years ago. 

Excited for his swansong, Whitlock, who was previously recovering after mental health struggles, shared, "I can't wait. My fourth Olympic Games feels surreal. I am mega-excited."

Making history as Britain's first Olympic gold medalist in artistic gymnastics eight years ago, Whitlock is also a three-time world champion, four-time European champion, and four-time Commonwealth Games champion. His impressive career has earned him an MBE and an OBE for services to gymnastics.

Reflecting on his career, Whitlock finds it challenging to pick a single highlight. "It is really hard to compare the emotions when you compare those four different Olympics. I think every Olympic Games in itself is different," he said. 

"In London 2012, I was 19 years old, unexpected to produce anything, and just going a lot for the experience to see where it could take me afterwards. Then I went to Rio with a bit of pressure on my shoulders, and a lot of pressure for Tokyo."

Whitlock acknowledges the pressure in Paris but feels more at peace. "Of course, there is a lot of pressure for Paris, but having announced it is my last one, I just want to go and give it my best shot."