A TOP coach and world class Olympian duo have won national gymnastic awards.

Scott Hann MBE, director of coaching for the South Essex Gymnastics Club in Basildon, received the Outstanding Coach of the Year Award at the 2020 British Gymnastics National Awards.

Meanwhile Max Whitlock MBE, gymnastics world champion who trains at Basildon, was named Outstanding Athlete of the Year.

The ceremony was held at The International Centre in Telford on Saturday.

Mr Hann, 39, works across all areas of the organisation, supporting coaches in various roles.

He’s well known for his partnership with double Olympic champion, Max Whitlock MBE, 27.

This year he supported Max at the Artistic World Championships, helping him land his third world title on the pommel horse.

As well as coaching a number of gymnasts to European, Commonwealth, world and Olympic success, Scott continues to work to bring through the next generation of top international gymnasts through. 

He said: “It’s always an honour to get any award, but I think for me, it’s not just a reflection of what I’ve done, it’s a reflection of all the people who’ve supported me and Max and the gymnasts along the way.

“No-one can ever do it on their own; there’s always a big team of people behind them, and ultimately, I know I’m the one out there with Max, but without those people supporting us, it wouldn’t be possible. It never gets old, seeing a gymnast win medals, it’s always special.

“This time around, with Max being a family man and my kids getting a bit older, it was something really special.”

Max was unable to attend on the night, but Mr Hann MBE, accepted the award on his behalf.

He said: “It was a massive year for Max. The year before was a little bit rocky for him, coming out of Rio and having to rebuild. So to get it right in 2019 was really crucial and very special.”