GYMNAST Craig Heap didn't take offence when he was sworn at by Jonathan Ross and David Gower on the popular sports show 'They Think It's All Over' last night.

The Burnley lad, Great Britain's only male gymnast at the successful Sydney Olympics, was picked as a mystery guest for the 'Feel the Sportsperson' slot.

"I was really looking forward to it," said the 27-year-old. "But the rehearsal went better than the show! "I had prepared a little routine and when Jonathan and David came to do that fondling bit I ended up kicking them.

"They swore at me but I didn't mind too much.

"They guessed I was some kind of gymnast though."

Craig's next stop on the busy social circuit following Great Britain's success at the Olympics -- which has also included a day at Buckingham Palace where he met the Queen -- is the Northern Rock Sports Awards in Newcastle.

He is a guest alongside other Olympians such as triple jump gold medal winner Jonathan Edwards.

And competition-wise, Craig is now gearing himself towards the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 although a shoulder injury and finances have forced him to contemplate retiring.

"I think my body is trying to stay 'stop' but I don't want to.

"I have had an operation on my elbow but it doesn't seem to have done much.

"I'm waiting on a shoulder operation although I've got six weeks to see if it will heal without one.

"I really want to compete at Manchester following Australia but I'll have to see how it goes this year."