Gymnast Ward goes from Glasgow dreamer to gold medallist
Reuben Ward won gold for Scotland in the men's all-around gymnastics competition at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, fulfilling a dream that began 12 years ago when he watched Dan Keatings win the same title in the city. The 21-year-old, whose parents left East Kilbride for Bury before he was born, became Scotland's third gold medallist of the Games and described the moment as "spectacular" and "a full-circle" homecoming.
Ward sat seventh after the floor exercise before surging ahead with a strong pommel horse routine, extending his lead through the rings and vault, where he improved on a flawed performance from Friday's team event by completing three twists. A judicious appeal added 0.100 to his parallel bars score, leaving him 0.550 ahead heading into the final rotation, and he held his nerve on the horizontal bar to secure victory as coach Jake Seager celebrated emotionally at his side. Ward is due to compete in the floor and pommel finals on Monday, with a further medal chance on the pommel.
- Reuben Ward wins Commonwealth Games all-around gymnastics gold in Glasgow
- Third Scottish gold of the Games; fulfils a childhood dream
- Ward competes again Monday in floor and pommel finals
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The Commonwealth Games is a major international sporting competition held every four years, featuring athletes from nations across the Commonwealth. Reuben Ward, a 21-year-old Scottish gymnast, has won the men's all-round gymnastics gold medal at the Games in Glasgow, one of the sport's most challenging events.
Ward's win holds special meaning because of his personal connection to the event. Twelve years ago, as a young child, he watched fellow Scot Dan Keatings win the same all-round title in Glasgow, and that moment inspired him to pursue the same dream.
Ward's victory is significant for Scotland, contributing to his nation's medal count at the Games and marking one of the country's most notable achievements in gymnastics at this level of competition.