Joe Fraser’s ‘triumph of the spirit’ got him Paris place

Fraser feared he would lose his fitness race after undergoing four surgeries since Tokyo but will now compete on the biggest stage once again after selection for Team GB’s 13-strong gymnastics squad for Paris 2024. The 25-year-old former Sandwell Academy pupil has set his sights on adding an Olympic medal to his World, European and Commonwealth haul.

“The last 18 months have been a challenge to say the least,” he said. “So actually, making it this far, and actually being selected for the Games, is a dream come true.

“Twelve months ago, I would definitely struggled to believe that I would have made it back in time, so having done enough to be here as part of Team GB is everything I’ve ever wanted.

“Last year’s shoulder surgery was a bigger operation than I first anticipated, so it took a lot longer to get back and I’m still kind of figuring that out now. To be able to make it back this far has been perfect, so anything on top of this is going to be a dream.”

A caption on a recent Instagram post from Fraser which reads ‘Triumph of the Spirit’ encapsulates the struggle he has gone through.

The hard work only intensifies from here and he has a big part to play alongside the legendary Max Whitlock, with the pair the only Paris-bound GB male gymnasts to have prior Olympic experience.

“I hope I can be a shoulder for the new guys to lean on if they feel overwhelmed by anything or need some advice,” said Fraser. “We’re really grateful to have Max in the team who’s been through every single emotion under the sun with this being his fourth Olympic Games, so I’m sure we can lean on each other when needed.

“We can produce the best result we can as a team, and we’ll stick together through it all.”

Of the six men and seven women selected in Team GB’s artistic and trampoline squad, eight are Olympic debutants and five are returning Olympians, including triple gold medallist Whitlock. He will spearhead the men’s artistic team and will become the first gymnast to win four Olympic medals on the same apparatus if he adds to his two golds and a bronze on the pommel horse in Paris.

“This Olympics is even more crazy for me because it’s going be my last one,” commented Whitlock. “I am excited to trust the process and give it everything I’ve got as there’s nothing to lose at this stage.”

n Aldi are proud Official Partners of Team GB & ParalympicsGB, supporting all athletes through to Paris 2024.