Flashback: Whitlock ends 120-year wait for gymnastics Olympic Gold in 2016

Whitlock took gold on the floor, before doubling his tally two hours later on the pommel horse, becoming the first British athlete in 44 years to win two individual Olympic titles on the same day.

It was believed he only had a slim chance of a podium place on the floor, but the then 23-year-old landed an impressive score of 15.633. He then refused to watch his rivals’ routines, and edged two Brazilians to take the gold.

On the pommel horse, his victory pushed team-mate Louis Smith into the silver medal position, landing 15.966 compared to his compatriot’s 15.833.

Whitlock had already secured a medal at Rio, a bronze in the all-round competition the previous week.

Speaking after his heroics, he said: “It was quite difficult – I couldn’t take in what had happened on the floor.

“It hit me like a ton of bricks because I wasn’t watching any of the routines before or after me, it was crazy and it made history.

“But I knew I had another job to do – I had to head back in the training gym, refocus and start warming up for the pommel because I had one more routine to do and now I can proudly say I have finished the Olympics with a smile on my face.

“This has out-done our expectations. This was my first floor final in the Olympics and the fact it only comes around once every four years makes it even more special. It makes me feel complete I think.”

On This Day In Sport

1972: Off-spinner Pat Pocock had one of the most prolific spells in first-class cricket while playing for Surrey against Sussex at Eastbourne. He took five wickets in six balls, six in nine and seven in 11.

1979: Sebastian Coe broke his third world record in six weeks at Zurich when he set a new best for the 1,500 metres. The other records broken during that span were the 800m and the mile.

2005: England drew the third Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford en route to a series victory.

2006: West Ham striker Dean Ashton broke his ankle in training with England following his first call-up to the national squad. The injury eventually forced him to retire from the game.

2008: Men’s cycling team sprint final trio Chris Hoy, Jamie Staff and Jason Kenny won Olympic gold for Great Britain in Beijing.