By JOE SOUTHWOOD

MAX Whitlock and Reiss Beckford are set to return from the Commonwealth Games after another memorable competition for South Essex Gymnastics Club.

Whitlock and Beckford, along with coaches Scott Hann and Matt Jackson, are due back in the country this week after helping their nations to shine on Australia’s Gold Coast.

Whitlock, whose wife and club coach Leah also flew out to support him, won team gold with England, a silver medal on the pommel horse and also made the floor final.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Beckford underlined his prospects for Tokyo 2020 by qualifying for the all-around final.

Beckford and Whitlock competed in their second and third Commonwealth Games respectively and the duo have become international stars under Hann, who is South Essex Gymnastics Club’s director of coaching.

And Hann was full of praise for the gymnasts.

“Reiss came here with a target to make the all-around final and did this with only a small error and achieved his target, so I’m super proud,” said Hann.

“He went all out in the final to push for a top-six placing but with that came risk, and unfortunately he made a few errors.

“But all-in-all it was a good competition.

“Max came here confident and ready. He qualified brilliantly on floor and pommel and was in good shape.

“Unfortunately a small error on floor meant he had to think fast and change his routine to avoid a fall, but it was costly as it affected his start score.

“But it was still a good routine and a learning opportunity.

“On pommel, Max was brilliant and we were both extremely pleased with the routine.

“We got some feedback from judges and with the up-and-coming talent, we need to still push.

“Max still has a considerable increase he can use on pommel for the future.”

South Essex Gymnastics Club’s assistant director of coaching, Verity Adams, added it had been special following the duo’s progress on television.

Adams said: “It is always special for us when people we see on a daily basis in our gym here in Basildon jet off around the world to showcase their skills on the international stage.

“Like them, we never take for granted just what an incredible achievement it is to compete at that level, and the hard work they all do to make that a reality.

“And it is equally special when we get to welcome them home, hear their stories and celebrate their achievements.”