Whitlock bowed out from his glittering profession with out the medal and report he had been chasing since returning to the game.

The 31-year-old had thought-about retiring after efficiently defending his title at Tokyo, taking an 18-month break from the game to cope with psychological well being struggles.

However he returned, motivated largely by the will to win in entrance of his younger daughter Willow. The five-year-old has been considered one of her father’s most vocal supporters within the stands on the Bercy Area.

“It is very uncooked in the mean time and I might have beloved for it to finish in a greater method right here in Paris,” Whitlock, who was combating again tears, advised BBC Sport.

“However I are not looking for anybody to take a look at the best way I’m feeling now and suppose that it’s a reflection of my profession. I’m so proud standing right here at the moment.

“It was a problem getting right here. I may have stop after Tokyo and I made a decision to come back again.

“I gave it each shot I probably can, I am right here at the moment and I am grateful for the journey I’ve had.”

His Olympic journey began at London 2012 with a bronze on pommel horse, in addition to a historic first – and nonetheless solely – bronze within the males’s group occasion.

4 years later in Rio, Whitlock grew to become Britain’s first all-around medallist for 108 years when he took bronze after which grew to become GB’s first particular person Olympic gold medallist by successful the ground and pommel horse titles.

However he missed out on a medal in Paris, having certified for the ultimate in third place.

He had carried out an upgraded routine within the group occasion, elevating the prospect he may win a 3rd successive gold – however his rivals additionally elevated their issue ranges and he may solely clap their efforts.

Whitlock retires with a group that includes six Olympic medals, three World Championship golds, 4 European titles and 4 Commonwealth Video games golds.