Ruby Evans and Emily Roper produced outstanding performances in the Commonwealth Games Women’s All-Around Final, finishing sixth and seventh respectively against an exceptionally strong field in Glasgow.
Evans scored 50.850 to secure sixth place, with Roper close behind on 50.350 in seventh. Competing against the reigning all-around champions from the previous two Commonwealth Games, both Welsh gymnasts demonstrated the quality that has established them among the very best in the Commonwealth.
Evans made a superb start to her competition with an outstanding vault, scoring 14.100, the highest difficulty value in the field, and an impressive 9.100 execution score. She continued with a clean uneven bars routine before a small step on the landing, carrying momentum into beam. An unfortunate fall on her spin interrupted an otherwise strong routine, but she responded well to finish her all-around competition with another composed performance on floor.
Roper also impressed throughout the competition, beginning with a strong vault to better her qualification score by 0.200. Clean routines on uneven bars and beam showcased her consistency, with her beam performance proving especially satisfying after falling twice on the apparatus during qualification. Although an unfortunate fall on floor prevented an even higher finish, it did little to overshadow an excellent all-around performance in her first major championship all-around final.
Reflecting on her performance, Roper said: “Doing a clean beam was definitely a highlight.”
While Roper was delighted with her performance, Evans was naturally disappointed not to have put together the competition she knew she was capable of. Even so, both gymnasts leave the all-around final with plenty to be proud of, having represented Wales with determination, resilience and composure on one of the biggest stages in the sport.
The atmosphere inside the arena once again proved to be a huge boost, with the Welsh support making their presence felt throughout the competition as both gymnasts competed amongst the very best in the Commonwealth.
There is little time to rest, with both athletes returning for the Commonwealth Games Apparatus Finals. Roper will compete in the Vault and Uneven Bars Finals on Monday 27 July, while Evans will contest the Beam and Floor Finals on Tuesday 28 July.
Evans had also qualified for the Uneven Bars Final but has since withdrawn, meaning fellow Welsh gymnast Jemima Taylor will take her place in the final.
Congratulations to Ruby and Emily on two exceptional performances. To have two Welsh gymnasts finish inside the top seven in such a high-quality Commonwealth Games all-around final is a fantastic achievement and another proud moment for Welsh Women’s Artistic Gymnastics.