Jacob Edwards is building a career defined by ambition, resilience and a deep commitment to Welsh gymnastics, both as an athlete and as a coach.
Jacob represented Wales at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he finished 10th in the All-Around final and placed 10th on Floor in qualification, results he was proud of on such a major stage. But for Jacob, the experience meant far more than rankings. “Being part of Team Wales and competing on that kind of stage was unreal,” he reflects. “It pushed me a lot, both mentally and physically, and I learned loads from it.”
That experience came with its challenges. In the build-up to the Games, and throughout the competition itself, Jacob was managing a significant shoulder injury, which later required two surgeries. Pushing through that period taught him valuable lessons in perseverance and resilience, shaping him not only as a gymnast but as a person.
“I’ve always been really passionate about Wales, if you cut me open, I’d bleed Wales,” he says. Representing his country on the Commonwealth stage only strengthened that connection, fuelling his determination to wear the dragon again. Now, with his sights set firmly on selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Jacob is using everything he learned in Birmingham to drive him forward.
Some of his most memorable moments from the Games came in the All-Around final, sticking his rings dismount, hitting his pommel routine, and landing his vault clean after earlier mistakes in the team competition. “That felt like redemption,” he says. “Those are the moments that really stick with me.”
The Commonwealth Games had long been a goal for Jacob, inspired in part by his brother Matthew, who competed at the 2010 Games. Originally targeting 2026, earning selection for Birmingham at just 19 made the achievement even more meaningful. It also provided valuable experience he now shares with younger gymnasts coming through the Welsh system.
Coaching has always been part of Jacob’s world. Growing up with parents who are both high-level coaches, he was immersed in the gym environment from an early age. He began helping with recreational gymnastics as a teenager, and his coaching journey has developed naturally ever since.
Now working with his own group of development gymnasts, Jacob has embraced the responsibility that comes with coaching. “It’s the first time I’ve had that kind of responsibility, and I honestly love every second of it,” he says. Under the guidance of his parents, he feels he is continuing to learn and grow, not just as a coach, but as a person.
Balancing life as an athlete, coach and his role as North Area Development Officer at Welsh Gymnastics is no small task. His days are structured around early mornings at work, afternoon training sessions and evening coaching, a demanding routine that requires discipline and careful time management. “It’s hard work and I’m constantly busy,” he admits, “but I wouldn’t change it. I genuinely love it.”
That passion is reflected in his approach to coaching, where he focuses on creating a positive environment built on enjoyment and hard work. A piece of advice from his mum continues to guide him: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” It’s a mindset he now passes on to the gymnasts he coaches, alongside encouraging responsibility, confidence and a strong work ethic.
Stepping into coaching has also given Jacob a new perspective on the sport. He speaks openly about the demands of the role and the level of care coaches have for their athletes. “You want your gymnasts to do well, not for you, but for them,” he explains. “Seeing them improve, whether that’s learning a new skill or achieving something big, is what makes it so rewarding.”
One of the biggest surprises for Jacob has been the emotional side of coaching. Watching gymnasts compete, knowing the work they’ve put in behind the scenes, brings a different kind of pride, and pressure. “When it comes together for them, it’s a special feeling,” he says.
As he continues to balance his dual roles, Jacob remains focused on his long-term goal: earning selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and competing for a medal. Every aspect of his current journey, as an athlete, coach and development officer, is building towards that ambition.
With his drive, experience and passion for the sport, Jacob Edwards represents the next generation of Welsh Gymnastics, one that is not only striving for success on the competition floor, but also committed to giving back and helping others along the way.
