BRITAIN'S most successful ever gymnast Beth Tweddle believes anything is possible for Max Whitlock as he looks to build on an incredibly successful 2014 season.

The Basildon based Whitlock won medals at the European Championships, Commonwealth Games and World Championships to earn his place on the shortlist for Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

But Tweddle, the only other gymnast to have ever been nominated for the high profile prize, exclusively told Echosport that Whitlock is capable of securing even more success, including more medals at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

“Max has his dreams and I feel as though anything is possible for him now,” said Tweddle who 22 major medals during her own career.

“Rio is only two years away now and I can see no reason why Max can't win more medals there.

“He's got the experience of London 2012 behind him, he has two bronze medals already and that's going to stand him in good stead.

“He will have definitely learnt a lot from this year which will help him so it's an exciting time for Max and the sport.”

However, Tweddle has certainly not been surprised by Whitlock's medal winnning antics.

She first knew about his talents in 2009, due to Whitlock's coach at the South Essex Gymnastics Club, Scott Hann.

And Tweddle always felt Whitlock had the talent to reach the top.

“I know Max's coach well so I saw him in training and could tell how good he was and good he was going to be as well,” said Tweddle.

“He had nice lines and was very focused.

“He knew what he had to do and he really seems to enjoy the sport which is great.

“He also has a great relationship with his coach and has the full package.”

Whitlock won gold and silver at the European Championships before taking centre stage at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where he claimed three golds, a silver and a bronze.

After that, he won a silver medal in the World Championsips all around final and was rewarded with a nomination for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which was delighted Tweddle.

“It was awesome for him to make the shortlist and to become just the second gymnast to do so.” said Tweddle.

“When I was nominated it was such a nice feeling and it was great to meet all the top names in sport.

“It was great for Max to have done the same and has profile has really shot up.

“He's doing Britain proud and I'm sure that will continue.”