MAX Whitlock was left lost for words after defending his Olympic pommel horse title in Tokyo.

The 28-year-old, who trains at South Essex Gymnastics Club in Basildon, scored 15.583 in the first routine of the rival.

And Whitlock struggled to comprehend his success.

"I feel lost for words," Whitlock told the BBC.

"I am completely overwhelmed and it feels kind of surreal.

“I had seen in the other sports the gold medals flowing in and I wanted to do the same here.

“It’s been an incredible journey."

Whitlock won two gold medals at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

And he found it tough going trying to defend his title.

"It is a million times harder," said Whitlock.

"The pressure was there and I could feel it but experience pays a lot in situations like this.

"Being first up meant I had to go all out.

“I couldn't watch the scores.

“That was the biggest routine I had been training for and I couldn't have done any more."