Pommel horse

The basic modern exercises were developed in the early 19th century by Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, founder of the German Turnverein.

The gymnast swings both legs in a circular motion (clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on preference) and performs such skills on all parts of the apparatus.

To make the exercise more challenging, gymnasts will often include variations on a typical circling skill by turning (moores and spindles), straddling their legs (Flairs), placing one or both hands on the pommel or the leather, or moving up and down the horse placing their hands on the pommel or the leather (traveling).

Three other pommel workers have two Olympic gold medals, each considered a legend of the sport: the Soviet Union gymnast Boris Shakhlin, the Yugoslav Miroslav Cerar, and the Hungarian master, Zoltán Magyar.

The most decorated workers at the World Championships are Whitlock and two one-time Olympic champions, Xiao Qin of China, and Hungary's Kristian Berki, all with three gold and two silver medals.

Overall, Whitlock is the most successful and decorated pommel worker in the event's history, with five global gold medals, two silvers, and a bronze.