MAX Whitlock and Brinn Bevan will be leading Team GB’s charge for gymnastics glory in Rio tonight.

The South Essex Gymnastics Club duo helped Britain qualify for this evening’s team final in fifth place.

And their coach Scott Hann revealed the duo and their team-mates are now ready to step things up even further in Brazil.

“It’s time for us all to pull together, correct the small little errors and go and smash the team final,” said Hann, speaking to Echosport from Rio.

“We’ve got a really strong team out here and a big opportunity to challenge.”

Whitlock – who is based in Basildon – has also qualified for the all round final as well as the pommel horse and floor which take place later this week.

And Hann was pleased with Whitlock’s performances, despite him making a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes.

“I’m really happy with it,” said Hann.

“It’s only the qualification and Max has proved that by scoring 88 with two falls in there that’s he on course for 91.5 which could challenge for medals.

“Everything that needed to be done has been done, so it’s been spot on.

“The team did phenomenal and I’m so proud of them all.

“My throat is sore from shouting and screaming, so hopefully it will recover in time for tonight.”

Echo:

Brinn Bevan - in action in Rio tonight

Bevan – a former Deanes School pupil – will also be hoping to impress this evening.

And he will also head into the final with words of praise from Hann.

“Brinn was absolutely outstanding and did everything he needed to do,” said Hann.

“A couple of steps on vault meant his score was lower than we hoped but his high bar was phenomenal.

“His P bar was good as well and I think he was harshly marked in that but he’ll be ready for tonight,” he added.