Six-times Olympic medal winning gymnast Max Whitlock has spoken about how his coaches inspired him when he was young as he takes on the role of ambassador for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award. The Unsung Hero Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to sports in their communities or at the grassroots level. These individuals often work behind the scenes, dedicating their time and efforts to support and develop sports without seeking recognition or financial gain.
Winners of the Unsung Hero Award are chosen based on their exceptional commitment to their local sporting communities, including their efforts to inspire and encourage participation in sports, improve access to sports for diverse groups, and provide opportunities for people to get involved in physical activity.
Max said: “For me, as a real youngster my sporting inspirations were my coaches. It wasn't until I got quite a bit older that I started watching more sport, and more gymnastics, and I started to look around and idolise the Japanese team - they were massively influential.
“I think you can have individuals that you idolise for different reasons, whether it's because you find them motivating to watch, or inspiring, or they encourage you. It can be very powerful to have that from a young age, especially you're influenced by the right things, it can lead you down a really good path.”
He added: “My local club was massively important. I've been a gymnast for 23 years and throughout my whole career I've had three coaches, so the ones I’ve had have been really impactful.
“My first ever gymnastics coach only coached me for a few months, and it was in a recreational gymnastics program, but those initial steps into the sport were hugely important. Coaches have quite a big job to do – they have to spark interest within youngsters, make sure they feel encouraged, provide fun, and sometime push them to work harder. For me, if those first steps into the gym weren’t right, I wouldn't have been a gymnast today. It’s thanks to my coaches, and a big thanks to my first ever coach, Lynn Driver, for providing a good platform for me to start with.”
Max says recognising unsung heroes is hugely important adding: “A huge thank you. I think the three coaches I've had throughout my career have all played very, very different roles. The first one played an introductory role, which was probably one of the most vital steps. That short period of time had a massive influence on the rest of my career.
“My second coach played a huge part in laying all this foundations, making sure that everything I did was right. Then my third coach, which I still have today, I have been working with him since I was 12. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn’t for every single one of them.”
· To nominate someone for the unsung hero award head to the BBC Sport website and complete the application. You must be over 18, or have consent from someone over 18, and the nomination window is open until 23:59 Monday 30 October. Read the terms and conditions and privacy notice at: www.bbc.co.uk/unsunghero
