London 2012 Olympics: 'You have to be prepared to put in the work if you want to succeed', says Louis Smith

According to Louis Smith, as he shows me how to address the pommel horse, the power comes entirely from the wrist. Which is somewhat worrying for someone who, in comparison to Smith's own steel-like wrists, appears to be in possession of a couple of bamboo sticks.

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Arm strong: Louis Smith became the first British man to win an Olympic gymnastics medal when he took bronze in Beijing Photo: DAVID ROSE