MAX Whitlock insists he will not be fazed by the growing expectation levels surrounding him at the Olympic Games in Rio.

The Basildon-based gymnast is a strong medal favourite in Brazil.

But the 23-year-old, who starts his quest for more honours on Saturday, does not feel under added pressure to perform.

“I try not to think about pressure,” said Whitlock, a member of the South Essex Gymnastics Club.

“There definitely is a lot of expectation going into competitions now and people expect us to bring home medals and results.

“But I flip that around and look at it as support.

“It’s grown so much and we have so many people backing us now, which is amazing.

“I just can’t wait for it to start now and I’m really looking forward to it all.”

Whitlock first came to the attention of the wider sporting public at London 2012 when winning two bronze medals.

Since then, Whitlock has grown into one of gymnastic’s biggest stars, winning a further 15 medals at major championships.

And he believes the experience of his first Olympic Games will stand him in good stead for Rio.

“London 2012 was a crazy experience but one I learnt so much from,” said Whitlock.

“It’s something that will certainly help me and I’m going into these Games with a lot of confidence.

“I feel very fortunate and lucky to be in this position and it’s all starting to feel real now.”

Whitlock and the rest of Team GB’s gymnasts held their Olympic preparations in Portugal before arriving in Rio last weekend.

But Whitlock – the current world champion on the pommel horse – is determined to not get carried away about the size of the competition.

“I try not to think ‘oh my god it’s the Olympic Games’ and I look to treat it the same as I would any other competition I’ve done,” said Whitlock.

“I just need to do my job and do what I have been doing in training because things have been going well for me.”

Whitlock has been joined in Brazil by coach Scott Hann and team-mate Brinn Bevan, who has completed a remarkable recovery to also be selected for Rio.

Bevan suffered a double leg break last November but has fought back to make the squad for Brazil.

And Whitlock is delighted to have the teenager in the squad.

“I was standing at the end of the vault run when Brinn got injured and it wasn’t very nice at all,” said Whitlock.

“At the time it was very stressful for him and he’s done amazingly well to make it back in time.

“It’s an incredible achievement and he’s looking really strong in what is one of the strongest teams we’ve had.”