Whitlock aims to end his Olympic career on a high note as Britain's most successful gymnast prepares for his final Games in Paris. The British gymnastics star said, with two days remaining for the Olympics, that he was relishing his "shot at history" in his final Olympics.

Pommel horse specialist Whitlock is bidding to become the first gymnast to medal on the same apparatus at four Olympics. "I scrolled through Wikipedia a lot just to confirm that”, said the 31-year-old after an impressive training session at the Paris Bercy Arena, where he will bid for a seventh Olympic medal starting in Saturday's men's qualifying.

"That history can be made was one of the reasons that got me excited as well. Especially when I was in that period where I didn't know if I wanted to come back," said Whitlock. "When I thought about coming back, I looked up stuff like this. Every tiny bit of motivation helps. The opportunity to try to make history is what I want."

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,  he 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.

"I nearly stopped gymnastics altogether after Tokyo, so for me to be in this position here I feel massively grateful," he said. "Giving myself the chance to give it a good shot and have the opportunity and challenge ahead reduces a bit of the pressure for me."

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 added.

"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."

Team GB: Whitlock and Fraser

The British men's team will also be bidding to make the podium with Russia not competing. Whitlock will be joined by Joe Fraser, back from injury, reigning vault world champion Jake Jarman, Harry Hepworth, and European floor gold medallist Luke Whitehouse.

On Wednesday, Whitlock earned applause for his pommel horse routine as the men trained for the first time at the competition arena. "I think the whole team enjoyed that a lot. I think we got some good stuff," he said.

Having his family and five-year-old daughter Willow, a budding gymnast herself, in the audience also motivated his return after the Tokyo Games behind closed doors. "I'm mega-excited because Willow can watch an Olympic Games for real, rather than watching videos. That means a lot to me.

"She's doing competitions herself. We don't force gymnastics but she fully understands it. She just seems to love it, which is amazing for me. "It almost feels like everyone is just taking it in a little bit more because this is my last one," Witlock concluded.