‘You have to be selfish in love’: Louis Smith on the run-up to Rio and why he’s happy single
The Olympic gymnast reveals why he's not looking for love after his split from TOWIE's Lucy Mecklenburgh
THE Olympic gymnast and Strictly Come Dancing champion, 27, reveals how he feels in the run-up to Rio – and why being single keeps him on track.
Looking good, Louis! So how’s your training for the Olympic Games going?
I’m not 19 years old any more, so I can’t spend six hours a day in the gym. I do what I need to do in training and I get my routines done. It’s pretty tough and rigorous, so any day I don’t pick up a new injury is a good one for me!
Come on, you’re only 27 – you’re talking as though you’re ancient!
I suffer from insomnia, so I normally only get about three to four hours’ sleep a night. It has started to affect me more and that’s taking its toll. My body is constantly sore, so I need more sports massages and recovery time than I used to. Then again, I’m doing harder routines now than I’ve ever done in my life.
You won the Strictly trophy back in 2012 and announced your retirement from gymnastics the following year. Why did you decide to take a break?
Gymnastics isn’t like football, where you can make millions of pounds. I needed to establish myself outside of the sport and try other things.
I left the door open to return, but it’s been tough getting back into it. And not just physically – it’s also been hard regaining the trust of the people who select the teams.
Fitting back into the team has been hard too, because I was an outsider for so long. There was some animosity as other athletes had been working hard while I’d been out of the sport.
Now, after two years, I’m back in a position where I’ve done well and I’m being treated as an equal again, which is really nice.
If you’re selected for Team GB, who will be coming out to support you in Rio?
It’s a long-distance trip and pretty expensive, so my mum [hairdresser Elaine Petch] isn’t sure whether or not she’ll come yet. But I think a few of my friends are flying over. Mum came to watch me in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, so I will understand if she doesn’t make it. Even if mates come and don’t watch the Olympics, they will still have an amazing time in Rio.
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You and former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh broke up in February. Is it easier for you to focus on your training now that you’re single?
Yes. I’m all for being in a relationship if it’s right, but if it’s not, the situation needs to be fixed so that I can focus and prepare. You have to be selfish.
So does that mean you’re happy being single then?
I don’t plan on getting a girlfriend any time soon – not until after Rio anyway. There will be plenty of time for women, dating and partying later.
What other ambitions do you have?
I want to help gymnasts when they retire, as there isn’t much opportunity for them at the moment. The gymnasts I train put in hard work six hours a day, six days a week, and push their bodies to the limit. However, some of them only earn £200 a month. It’s shocking.
I want them to have a chance to set themselves up for life, rather than be left with nothing when they retire. I have a plan to fix this and I’m currently in discussions, which is very exciting.
Louis Smith is a kellogg’s #GreatStarts ambassador ahead of the Olympic Games in Rio, encouraging everyone to share their tips for a Great Start to the day – see his and others tips here:
BTW
- In one minute, Louis can do a staggering 75 press-ups.
- As a huge Harry Potter fan, he decided to turn his spare room into an homage to the schoolboy wizard.
- Louis’ most-liked Instagram selfie is him starkers on a sunlounger with just a glass over his crown jewels.