CRAIG Heap jetted back into England and headed straight for his old coach to show off his Commonwealth medal.

The Burnley gymnast captained the England team which struck gold in the team event in Kuala Lumpur at the Games.

And he popped in to see former coach Stewart Ingham at the Thompson Centre on a flying visit to his native Burnley before returning to Lilleshall to get back in training.

"It still hasn't quite sunk in yet," said Craig. "It was amazing. Absolutely mega.

"The whole experience was far more exciting than I ever thought it would be and it's definitely the best thing I have ever done. I didn't sleep for about 10 days up until the competition started because I found it hard to get used to the time change."

Gold in the team event was the pinnacle of his career although his big moment was slightly tinged by his performance in the individual competition.

A fall during his floor routine cost him a chance of another medal and he eventually finished fifth.

"To win the gold was a reward for all the years of hard work and it took us a while to get the smiles off our faces.

"I've not seen my mum yet because she has gone on holiday but I know she is over the moon."

Refreshed and rested after a five day break - his first holiday in five years - he is back in training and already has his sights set on the next Commonwealth Games.

"Now I know what it is like I definitely want to stay on until Manchester," said Craig.

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