Van Hoof masterminds Olympics springboard

The 55-year-old has been technical director of the men’s programme since 2006 and has seen gymnastics go from strength-to-strength.

Van Hoof was a star gymnast in his youth competing for Luton Gym Club and even captained the Great Britain men’s team from 1979-85.

And he has been integral to Team GB dwarfing their target of one or two medals in London, as they’ve won four, including a marvellous men’s team bronze.

The former Stopsley High School and Luton Sixth Form pupil said: “The boys winning a bronze medal will be a real springboard for the sport. The team bronze is the absolute icing on the cake because you’ve got to have five gymnasts firing on the day. A team medal is immense in that respect.”

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