Illness cancels Max Whitlock's all-around hopes
BySportsbeat
Updated 15/04/2015 at 15:24 GMT
Max Whitlock was struggling to contain his disappointment after revelaing the effects of low-grade glandular fever means he will not go for all-around gold at the European Gymnastics Championships.
Max Whitlock of Britain competes in the Men's Team Final during the 2014 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Nanning (Reuters)
Image credit: Reuters
Whitlock took European all-around silver in 2013, and has won the British all-around title in 2013 and 2014.
However, this year Whitlock did not defend that title because of glandular fever, and the effects have stayed with him out in Montpellier with the Europeans looming large.
Instead, the world silver medallist will now focus on individual apparatus honours in the pommel horse and floor – although this has done little to lift his spirits.
"For me it's very gutting. The all-around was a big target of mine," Whitlock told BBC Sport.
"My body will only allow me to do two pieces at the moment.
"I found out about a week or two before I came out here around the English Championships.
"I just felt so tired all the time and it's just been hard to get through all my routines.
"I'm putting all my focus in two pieces to reduce the stress. "I'm still trying big routines on those pieces so, hopefully, I can do them like I have been in training and come through clean.
And the 22-year-old says he does not have an indication as to when he might be fully clear of the virus.
"I think we've just got to look at it each day as it comes and that's what I've been doing in this European build-up," Whitlock added.
"I need some rest. I've been pushing through this one and after the Europeans will be a good time to take it so I can be back as soon as possible."
© Sportsbeat 2015
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