Having only just arrived back from a training camp in Mexico on Thursday 2nd February, that evening Reiss attended a V.I.P. viewing of the Journey to the Podium artwork of all the athletes who were Team Essex Ambassadors 2011. The collection of art was being exhibited at the Beecroft Art Gallery in Westcliff on Sea, Essex by Essex County Council, Arts Development and 2012 Legacy Team. As part of the Journey to the Podium, commissioned artists had to ‘Adopt an Athlete’ and create artwork to mark the journey to 2012. David Shields, an amazing photographer from Leigh-On-Sea, chose Reiss back in July to follow and document ‘what makes a world class gymnast’. David spent many hours watching Reiss in training and shadowed him for a day. David’s  work ‘Body, Mind and Commitment’ consists of 3 photographic montages, one in black and white and two in colour and a limited edition book documenting his work with Reiss. David’s artwork of Reiss will eventually be displayed at Basildon Sporting Village.