This is the real start of the countdown to the Games and we will see the world's very best in action as they begin their Olympic preparations.

The depth of Britain's squad is fantastic to see - it isn’t just one person who is producing results but we have numerous medal chances. 

British and European champion Jessica Gadirova is definitely looking to add to her already huge medal tally. 

On the men’s side you have got Jake Jarman who was a rising star coming into the Commonwealth Games last year, but everyone is now aware of his talent and are stopping to watch him when he performs. 

Harry Hepworth is also really strong and will be looking for a medal at the World Championships.

It is brilliant to see Max Whitlock returning to the sport and I think it creates the belief that you can do it more than once. 

Years ago, the Olympics was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I think people like Max are showing that it's possible to go again every four years.

It's really great for our sport that you're now seeing these names that are competing year in, year out on an international stage and still succeeding at the very highest level.

On the topic of big returns, Simone Biles coming back for the United States is also huge - not only for her teammates but for the sport as a whole. 

It adds to that longevity in the sport and her and Max are showing that you can have a couple of years downtime and then make a return. 

Simone went on a real journey in Tokyo at the last Olympics. She's an international superstar and people are now really following her journey.

These gymnasts will strengthen what is already a really strong field. 

Team USA are always one to keep an eye on and with the return of Simone I think the confidence level of that team will have risen. 

After the USA, it is quite open on the women's side. The British team, who won a medal last year, and the Chinese team will also be at the front of the pack. 

There have been quite a few injuries, so there are some big names that won’t necessarily be featuring. A big loss to the home nation Belgium, is Nina Derwael, who is an Olympic champion on bars, but she's had shoulder surgery so she's not going to be there competing. 

I'm sure she'll be in the arena somewhere though! On the men's side, China and Japan are always the two nations battling it out for first and second, then the British team are real contenders and the USA will be looking to set that marker ahead of the Olympic Games next year.

But there’s a lot less pressure for our men’s and women’s teams, who have already qualified for the Olympics following success at last year’s World Championships in Liverpool. 

That was an absolutely fantastic competition and my favourite worlds as it was in my home city…not that I’m biased!

For us to have qualified even before the World Championships has started is fantastic, and it is certainly something that did not happen in my day! 

That is, in part, down to the investment from National Lottery players who have allowed our athletes to really take the next step and dedicate themselves completely to the sport. 

More than £160 million ($195 million/€184 million) has been invested into gymnastics since National Lottery funding began, with this investment supporting the World Class Programme and helping fund training facilities and camps, coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists and psychologists.

The funding is also invested in clubs, facilities and programmes across the country to enable more people to take part in the sport at a grassroots level.

It is very different to not have that pressure of needing to qualify, because qualifying is by no means an easy thing to do. 

Now the athletes can just focus on setting themselves up for next year’s Olympics, consolidating routines and maybe trying out a few upgrades, knowing that it's not going to have an impact on whether they qualify a team for the Games.

Getting to the Olympics is such an exciting, yet nerve-wracking experience. 

I remember gymnastics selecting their team quite late and you are on the edge of your seat until you get your name on that selection letter, get all your kit and fly out to the competition. 

You're excited, you're nervous, you're just wanting to get there and get it done. The Olympics is such an amazing opportunity and the fact that the British athletes get to experience that is incredible.

But, in the meantime, I can’t wait to see how the teams get on at the World Championships as the countdown for the Olympics well and truly begins.