It took a while for the World Championship silver medal to sink in but this time round, at the Europeans, I knew as soon as I saw the last competitor Flavius Koczi make a small error during his routine. I am the European pommel champion!

I think as a nation, GB has some of the best pommel horse workers in the world, not only at senior level but also at junior and development.

I knew that it was only a matter of time before we would claim the top two spots on the podium at a major championship; gold and silver at the European Championships - what an achievement.

Fresh from my success I was whisked away for two days straight of media interviews and appearances. It was hectic but a great experience.

On Wednesday I was back at the gym and things were getting back to normal. It was the start of the preparations for the World Championships in Rotterdam, which is the first qualifier for the Olympics and as a team we have to ensure we finish in the top 24 to move onto the next qualifying stage.

Training was going well and spirits were high after the successes from the weekend before. But during the afternoon training session on the tumble track, I landed awkwardly during a normal routine that saw me hyper extend my legs.

As a precaution I went to the local hospital that took x-rays and discharged me with a referral to my physiotherapist, the GB medical team then sent me for an MRI scan. Unfortunately the MRI scan showed a tear to my anterior cruciate ligament which meant I would need an operation to reconstruct the ligament. 

I was admitted to the Lister Hospital in London. Mr William who performed the operation is one of the best in his field. 



The good news is, he said the operation was a great success and after rehabilitation I would be back fitter and stronger than before. The down side; rehabilitation is six to nine months and I have been told I will be unable to compete until this time, which unfortunately means I will miss this year’s World Championships.

I am disappointed but the GB team does contain a group of strong and excellent gymnasts who will be fighting to get into the team, including, some quality juniors who are now ready to step up to the senior level.

I have every confidence that team GB will have an extremely successful Championship and get through to the second Olympic qualification stage - I wish them every success and will supporting from the side lines.

Daniel Keatings, who is powered by Opus Energy, made history last October when he became the first British gymnast to win a medal in the All-Around event at the World Gymnastics Championships. To find out more about his sponsorship deal with Opus Energy click here