Courtney Tulloch is backing England’s new generation of gymnastics stars to shine at the Commonwealth Games.
The 30-year-old from Maidstone is a four-time Commonwealth champion but is missing this year’s Glasgow showpiece as he targets European and World Championship glory later this year.
His training partner, Max Whitlock, was due to make a remarkable international comeback but withdrew on the eve of the Games due to a hand injury, while Jake Jarman is also absent.
That has opened up opportunities for others, with world silver medallist Luke Whitehouse spearheading an English men’s quintet which also includes Adam Tobin, Alex Yolshin-Cash, Josh Nathan and Gabriel Langton.
“I was gutted about Max, I'm very close with him and he'll bounce back stronger,” Tulloch said.
“Another of my training partners, Josh Nathan, is a pommel horse worker as well. It would have been interesting to see him and Max go head to head.
“Hopefully Josh can make the pommel final, which will be a really good final to watch.
“Luke can definitely come away with a couple of medals and all of the boys are talented.
“It comes down to whether they can hold it together under pressure, under the bright lights. They are training well so hopefully they can do it, and we all believe in them.
“The Commonwealth Games holds a massive place in my heart. Gold Coast 2018 was the springboard which gave me the confidence and self-belief that I could go to these big events and perform.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for the athletes to showcase their best performances in front of the world.”
Tulloch was speaking as part of ‘Gymnastics Golden Moment’, which saw a combined team of decorated stars gather at the City of Glasgow Gymnastics Club, to celebrate the support of The National Lottery players that have helped hundreds of athletes get to Glasgow 2026.
The National Lottery has invested more than £9 billion into sport across the UK, from grassroots to elite level, via 143,000 grants, from local facilities to the Commonwealth Games stage.
These have funded the coaches, facilities and athlete development pathways that have brought each team to the start line.
In Glasgow alone, more than £1 billion has been invested through over 14,000 grants since 1994, and Tulloch hopes the return of the Commonwealth Games to the city acts as a catalyst to those watching on.
“London 2012 was huge for me, watching icons of the sport, and it inspired me so much,” he said.
“The goal is for kids, not just in gymnastics but any sport, to see their heroes up close or watch them on TV competing and performing their best work. Hopefully this can inspire next generation.
“The support I've had from The National Lottery through my career has been insane. I wouldn't be where I'm at if it wasn't for them, so to the people that are playing, just thank you so much. You helped all of our journeys.”
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £33m is raised every week for good causes. It’s because of you that sport, arts, heritage and community projects, as well as our athletes competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, are supported across the UK.
