Scotland's Reuben Ward won the individual all-around gold medal in artistic gymnastics at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday, dedicating his victory to teammate Gabriel Langton, who returned to the arena just 36 hours after a terrifying fall from the high bars.
Langton's Return After Horror Fall
Langton had landed on his neck during the team final on Friday, leaving many gymnasts in tears. After spending 24 hours in hospital, he returned to the Glasgow International Arena with bruises but determined to support his teammates. He shouted encouragement for England's Luke Whitehouse and Adam Tobin, and later for Ward, who was competing for Scotland.
Ward recalled the physiotherapist's words after Langton's fall: 'Do it for Gabe.' He said, 'I went to junior Europeans in 2022 with Gabe. I was there yesterday when he came back from the hospital. I clapped him in, gave him a hug. I'm just so glad he's all right.'
Ward's Emotional Victory
Ward, who had been in tears on Friday, remembered the support from his team. 'The physio came over, said: 'Do it for Gabe.' I think about three of us on Team Scotland cried, including me,' he said.
However, the day also highlighted the sport's dangers, as Singapore's Jovi Loh, 18, was taken away on a stretcher with a suspected serious knee injury after a dismount on the bars.
Teammates Rally Around Langton
Adam Tobin, who finished fifth, said he heard Langton shouting during his routine. 'He was shouting: 'Let's go!' and 'Keep it clean.' In the span of two days, he's gone through this incredibly scary, traumatic thing, and he's here supporting us,' Tobin said. He also praised England's coaches for keeping the team calm.
Luke Whitehouse, the pre-event favourite, finished seventh after three falls, including on his signature triple backflip. Despite his disappointment, he said, 'It's such a relief to know that Gabe's OK and there's no serious injuries, just bruising.'
