Max Whitlock: When were you happiest?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

Asked in 52 of the 131 consecutive instalments of The Guardian's The Q&A harvested on 2026-08-29.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Recorded Max Whitlock said elsewhere, not written here

Standing on the podium in Rio: winning a gold medal for the pommel was 100% the pinnacle of my career.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 October 2016 source ↗

Others on this question

Last Sunday when all the family came round to celebrate my 88th birthday. (Or was it Saturday. Or the week before, perhaps?)

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 January 2026 source ↗

James Bay English singer-songwriter and guitarist

When I started getting to grips with playing the guitar, aged 11.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 9 January 2016 source ↗

Sue Perkins British actress, singer, writer and comedian

In my 20s, touring small arts centres with my best mate, performing sketch comedy to a handful of people.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 October 2018 source ↗

Driving solo across the country from New York to Washington State.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, August 2018 source ↗

My coach, Scott Hann, for all the stress before competitions.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 October 2016 source ↗

I would like to be a legend in my sport, like Mo Farah and Chris Hoy.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 October 2016 source ↗

At the Olympics, after my floor gold medal.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 October 2016 source ↗

Usain Bolt for his attitude, the amount of confidence he’s got, the way he delivers every time.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 October 2016 source ↗

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