Two former Hemel residents are currently in Paris, taking part in this year’s much anticipated Olympic Games.
Max Whitlock OBE was born and raised in Hemel, where he attended the Sapphire School of Gymnastics. This will be the world-renowned gymnast’s fourth and final Olympic Games, after he officially announced his retirement earlier this year, after more than two decades of career, six Olympic titles and fourteen medals.
Heading to social media as he made his way to Paris, Max said: “This moment marks the end of my final ever training camp. I’ve been attending these camps since I was 9 years old, and this week we finished our last one before we leave to go to Paris.
“It feels amazing! We also had our team dinner which was a great send-off to celebrate that Paris isn’t too long away now.”
Joining Max in Paris is another former Hemel resident Anna Henderson, who currently rides for UCI Women’s Continental Team Visma–Lease a Bike.
Originally taking up cycling as a form of rehab, Anna quickly found an affinity for the sport. She won the British National Circuit Race Championships in 2018, and the under-23 British National Time Trial Championships in 2019. This will be the 25 year old’s first ever Olympic Games.
On her Instagram, Anna said: “Honoured to be selected for my first Olympics with Team GB. See you soon Paris!”
The Olympic Games begin on July 26 as Hemel News goes to print, and finishes on August 11.
Photo Credits: Max Whitlock and Anna Henderson
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