SCOTT Hann has expressed his pride at seeing Max Whitlock nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

The Basildon based gymnast - who won two gold medals and a bronze at the Rio Olympics in the summer - has been selected on a shortlist of 16 for the prestigious award.

And Hann - who coaches Whitlock at the South Essex Gymnastics Club - insisted the nomination was a perfect way to finish off a stunning year.

“We’re all very proud of Max for the nomination and it’s the best way possible for us all to be finishing what has been a brilliant 2016,” said Hann.

“It was something we had been working towards for the past eight years so for it to go as well as it did was a dream come true.

“Max has deserved everything that’s come his way since then and the nomination for this award is another special moment.

“It’s not the first time he’s been selected on the shortlist either so it shows he’s not a flash in the pan.

“We were tipped off it might be happening but when it’s all confirmed and you see who Max is up against it really does bring home just how well he’s done.”

Tennis star Andy Murray is the bookmakers’ favourite to win the award while triathlete Alistair Brownlee and long distance star Mo Farah are also among the front-runners.

Whitlock is sixth favourite to win at 66/1 and Hann knows it will be hard for a gymnast to earn the top prize.

“Gymnastics is still a minority sport so obviously it’s going to be difficult for him to win because he’s up against golfers, footballers and tennis players who all have a big following,” said Hann.

“A top six finish would be nice but to be honest just being nominated is an achievement in itself.”

The prize ceremony will take place in Birmingham on Sunday December 18.

And Hann is looking forward to attending the event.

“Being part of Team GB I get a ticket and I’m already quite excited about going along if I’m honest,” said Hann.

“It’s always a great night and it’s a honour to be in the company of so many past and present sporting stars.

“Now that Max has been nominated I’m hoping we can get a group ticket and that I can take my wife along with members of staff at the club.

“It would be great if as many of them as possible could go to enjoy the night.

“We all want to show our support for Max.”