SUPERSTAR gymnast Max Whitlock is nearing a return to full fitness with the Rio Olympics now less than 12 months away.

Whitlock’s start to the season was disrupted by low-grade glandular fever but he will return to action at the London Open this weekend.

And his coach at South Essex Gymnastics Club, Scott Hann, believes the 22-year-old is now close to being back to his best.

“I would say Max was around 92 per cent fit again now and he’s looking really good in training,” said Hann.

“Obviously he hasn’t competed for a little while now and there may or may not be some teething problems on his return.

“But we’re really looking forward to him getting back out there and it’s good to see him over the illness he had.”

Whitlock, who has won medals at the Olympics, World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games, will be eager to impress this weekend too as the competition acts as a qualifying event for the World Championships in Glasgow next month.

However, Hann is keen to keep the pressure off.

“The London Open is the first set of trials open to everyone so it’s an important event but, at the same time, it’s not the be all and end all,” said Hann.

“Preparations have gone well though and hopefully that will be reflected in the performances.”

Whitlock will not be the only South Essex Gymnastics Club gymnast in action this weekend.

Brinn Bevan and Reiss Beckford, who train alongside Whitlock in Basildon, will also be competing.

And Hann also has high hopes for them.

“Brinn has been bang on the money in training but it’s now a case of producing it all on the day,” said Hann.

“He’s in his first year as a senior now and I’m sure he will be wanting to make an impression.

“It’s slightly different with Reiss because he’s already qualified for the World Championships with Jamaica.

“The pressure is off of him because of that but he will still be looking to place well.”

Youngster Doug Turnbull will also be competing at the London Open but Jay Thompson misses out with an Achilles injury.

However, Hann hopes the 19-year-old will soon be back in action.

“Unfortunately Jay hurt himself a couple of weeks ago now and he won’t be able to compete,” said Hann.

“But we’re hopeful that he’s not going to be out for too long.”