The 24-year-old was part of the British team that won bronze at London 2012, and he has a silver and bronze medal for his individual pommel horse performances at Beijing 2008 and the 2012 Games respectively.

Smith then took a break from competitive action to focus on other activities, notably winning televised celebrity dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing in 2012.

Today, however, he announced his ambition to return to the sport and aims to compete for England in Glasgow.

Louis Smith was a member of the British team that won a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics ©Getty Images


"I always said that everything that I was working on was geared towards 2012 and when I achieved what I did at the London Olympics, within myself I believed that I had taken part in my last ever competition in the sport," Smith, whose Beijing 2008 bronze made him the first British man to win an Olympic medal in gymnastics for 80 years, said.

"However, recently my feelings have started to change.

"I loved commentating at the World Championships in October, however there was a large part of me that felt I should be competing.

"I know what I'm still capable of when I'm in peak condition.

"I believe I can very much compete amongst the best in the world and challenge for medals."

Louis Smith became the first British man in 80 years to win an Olympic gymnastics medal when he took bronze at Beijing 2008 ©Getty Images

He already owns two Commonwealth Games medals, having won individual gold and team bronze for England at the 2006 competition in Melbourne, but says he is eager to compete in the event again this year.

"I loved competing at the Commonwealth Games in 2006," Smith said.

"It's such a friendly competition and one that I'd be so eager to be a part of again.

"As far as I am concerned, should I qualify, this will be my last hurrah.

"The 2012 Olympics were everything to me and I believe that without the successes that I had there, my life could have taken a very different path over the last year and a half.

"So I can go to the Commonwealth Games knowing that whatever happens, I will have achieved everything I ever dreamt of in gymnastics.

"But I am an athlete and as has always been the case, I will be there in the pursuit of success.

"I'm not done with gymnastics yet.

"I have unfinished business.

"Should I qualify; the opportunity to compete on home turf again is one that I will relish."

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