Wolverhampton gymnast Kristian takes break after Olympics whirlwind

Since his flawless floor routine secured Britain's men an historic Olympic team gymnastics medal, Kristian Thomas's feet haven't touched the ground.

The 23-year-old returned to his Black Country home this week following his London 2012 heroics and has been savouring his success with family and friends – when a gruelling media schedule has allowed.

Kristian admits celebrations and his press commitments kept him out of the gym for six straight days before a light workout yesterday.

Usually he trains for 30 hours a week, with just one day off in seven.

Speaking back at his Wednesfield home, he said: "I've not really got into any sort of routine since I got back home on Monday. It's been pretty hectic."

"I had a day with my girlfriend Gemma and my family threw me a little party here at home – that was nice because I was able to see everyone in one go. My diet has gone a bit out of the window as well. I'll be back to it in a couple of weeks, but I'm going to have a holiday first."

As the last man to go for Team GB in both the vault and floor disciplines Kristian was under huge pressure as Britain's men closed in on an historic medal.

Today he told how hours in the gym had paid off. "We try and replicate the same sort of scenario in our training.

"It's obviously very hard to do with that energy from the crowd, when everyone is screaming for you.

"I try and play the situation down, imagine it is just another session in the gym. But with the volume of support that was very difficult.

"I definitely didn't expect to win a medal so it was brilliant to get bronze."

It was Britain's first gymnastics medal for a century.

"We were the only medal winners on that day so there was quite a lot of publicity, especially with it being quite unexpected," Kristian said.

• Related story - Kristian Thomas celebrates Wolverhampton homecoming

By Mark Mudie