The role will see Whitlock - the first ever British gymnast to win gold at the Olympic Games - give students the opportunity to gain insight into the mindset of an elite athlete the pinnacle of their profession.

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The new role will also see the star athlete make guest appearances at local schools and colleges, with the hope to inspire students of all ages to learn what it takes to become a double Olympic gold medallist.

Pictured, Max Whitlock, during the Gymnastics British Championships in 2019 at the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool. Photo credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Reflecting on the role Whitlock, who has won five Olympic medals - two gold and three bronze, said and he hoped to inspire students to set their sights on success.

The 28-year-old said: "Throughout my career, I’ve had to learn to handle pressure, overcome setbacks and remain focused on my targets.

"There are so many transferrable skills for students and I can’t wait to share these with them and staff at the University of Hull to help them achieve their goals."

Previously the University of Hull became the first ever university to become an official partner of Team GB, joining Adidas, Aldi and others, two years ago.

The Great British double Olympic champion and triple world champion Max Whitlock MBE has been announced as a new ambassador for the University of Hull today.

Whitlock's ambassador role will add to this groundbreaking partnership, which since it's launch has seen students taking part in a variety of volunteering, work experience and course-related projects and opportunities.

The University of Hull’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Susan Lea, said: "Max is the ideal ambassador for us in that he demonstrates quality and excellence in and out of competition.

"At the University of Hull, we pride ourselves on encouraging our students and supporting them with the right opportunities so they can achieve extraordinary things – both whilst at university and beyond.

"The partnership with Team GB has been an enormous success, with Team GB staff and athletes acting as inspirational role models for our students as they reflect the success of setting ambitious personal and team goals, working hard, and supporting one another through both the high and the lows."

Gold medal winning Olympic gymnast Max Whitlock pictured after he received his Member of the Order of British Empire (MBE) medal during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London in 2017. Photo credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

The partnership covers a six-year period, meaning the University of Hull and Team GB will work together throughout Tokyo 2021, Paris 2024 and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Tim Ellerton, Commercial Director at Team GB, added: "We’re really proud to partner with the University of Hull to help students find their extraordinary.

"Over the last two years of our partnership together we have delivered impactful projects – which inspire and engage staff at the University of Hull.

"We really value the energy, insight and knowledge which continues to contribute to the ultimate success of Team GB."

The University of Hull’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Susan Lea.

With eleven medals and four titles in Olympic and world championships, Whitlock is the most successful gymnast in the country's history.

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Olympic great Max Whitlock MBE hoping to inspire Yorkshire students in new role