“Going through a phase where I really struggled after Tokyo was a time I learned a lot about myself, especially thinking I was finished with the sport,” said Whitlock.
“This period of self-reflection and growth led me to return but with a new mindset. I’m more relaxed in training and in competition but equally more motivated to keep developing and progressing.
“It’s almost a nothing-to-lose mindset which can be so powerful in competition. I’m looking forward to competing on a major stage again.”
British Gymnastics performance director Tracy Whittaker-Smith said the returns of Whitlock and Downie were “hugely welcome and exciting” while debutants Hepworth and Whitehouse would “gain invaluable experience from being alongside a team… who have achieved so much and have been performing so spectacularly”.
She added: “With a strong list of established GB gymnasts progressing to full fitness and form after a busy 2022 and many up-and-coming younger names to look out for, it’s clear that there is a great pool of talent for us all to be excited about with less than 500 days to go to the Olympics.”
