Glasgow 2026 | Reuben and Cameron make history on the pommel podium
Reuben Ward and Cameron Lynn make history in Glasgow on the pommel horse. They are the first two Scottish gymnasts to win medals in the same individual event at the Commonwealth Games.
Only 24 hours after competing in the all-around competition, where Reuben was crowned champion, he returned to The Arena with Cameron Lynn by his side. Canada’s Jordan Carroll claimed the pommel horse title, but Scotland were really the team to come out on top.
Reuben claimed his second medal of the Games, this time silver, with Cameron earning the bronze – his first ever Commonwealth medal. When told they made history together their faces went from shock to withholding tears.
“Is that more history?!” they both chimed. Cameron adding “Wow, two days in a row. Two records broken.” Looking to Reuben with pride embracing one another in the mix zone.
From the start
Up first, Reuben performed in the men’s floor final where he qualified in sixth with 13.150. It was a tough competition with the first four competitors of the session, including Reuben, all suffering errors. Sharul Aimy from Malaysia went first falling on his first pass, finishing with his hands on his head. Aussie James Hardy had a step out of bounds from his full twisting double front somersault but comfortably gained a score of 13.433.
All-around silver medallist, Felix Dolci from Canada put out a solid first tumbling pass. Lacking height in his double front within the next tumble, he finishes sitting on the carpet. Dusting off his hands in disappointment as the score of 13.233 is announced.
The newly crowned all-around champion, Team Scotland’s Reuben Ward starts in the furthest corner from the judging panel. The crowd erupts as his name is called and he goes into a full twisting straight somersault to double front. The addition of the twist changing his difficulty value from 5.1 to 5.3. Sticks the second pass with ease and works across the back line only giving the judges small deductions to take. Performing the required skill down on the floor, he puts out the same circle work he’d repeat later on the pommel horse today.
Floor concluded with Luke Whitehouse (ENG), Rene Cournoyer (CAN), Daniel Mclean (RSA) and Joshua Nathan (ENG). It was a final that showcased not only commemorable gymnastics but sportsmanship from all involved. In the end Reuben remained in the same spot he qualified in – sixth.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games men’s floor medallists:
- GOLD | ENG Luke Whitehouse – 14.566
- SILVER | Rene Cournoyer – 13.966
- BRONZE | Jordan Hardy – 13.433
Potential on pommel
As Cameron and Reuben were announced into The Arena for the pommel horse final the crowd roared. Bronze team medallist Jesse Moore (AUS) went first, opening his routine with big straddle flare work that he also shows on floor. Unfortunately, he slips at the end of the pommel. Marius Georgiou of Cyprus goes steadily through next scoring 13.200.
Canada’s Jordan Carroll’s routine is met with shouts of encouragement from the stands nearest the apparatus. An excellent routine showing all the contrition requirements. With scores as clean as his routine, 6.000 difficulty and 9.000 execution, he projects to the top with 15.000 total.
British and Scottish champion of this apparatus, Reuben, steps up next. He also hits all the requirements, with a notable section of travelling from one end of the horse to the other without touching the handles or central leather. The home crowd burst into that same roar they’ve been delivering this Games as he sticks the dismount. Putting his hands by his ears, Reuben riles the crowd to up their antics. “Oooooh’s” echo through the room as the graphic showing Reuben’s score goes up and puts him into second. A very close margin of 0.044 from the gold.
Moments from medalling
England’s Adam Tobin, Commonwealth silver team medallist, takes a few skills to settle into his routine. Little too late in building momentum as he catches himself on the pommel to fall from the apparatus. Next up is his Great Britain teammate representing Team Scotland Cameron Lynn.
Cameron blows the chalk from his hands as he walks towards the pommel. His friends and family’s voices sounding out down to the field of play in support. Controlled and paced, he makes it safely through. Punching the air several times, shouting to the sky and celebrating with the crowd. Celebrations don’t stop there as the score is announced – 13.833 putting him into third behind Reuben.
Two gymnasts to go means both Scots were at risk of being pushed out of the medals. Northern Ireland’s Rhys McClenaghan, who won silver in Birmingham 2022 and the gold at Gold Coast 2018, sought to reclaim the Commonwealth champion title. The World, European and Olympic gold medallist on pommel had his first skill discounted though and lost his focus near the end of the routine causing errors. Presenting and walking away in disappoint knowing the gold was out of reach. The score, 13.000 exactly, places him outside of the medals altogether in fifth.
No Scotland, no party
Ritam Malik (AUS) concluded the final but in the dismount fell out of the handstand early. It was announced that an appeal was submitted against Rhys’ difficulty score, with hope of moving himself up a place, but it was quickly rejected by the superior jury. Ritam’s score comes in and the whole of Scotland were on their feet to celebrate not one, but two medal winners. No Scotland, no party chanted around the arena as Cameron and Reuben tied saltires around their necks, hugged, danced and soaked up the moment. Canada took the title but Scotland won the Commonwealth’s hearts in this final as they took the remaining podium spots.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games men’s pommel horse medallists:
- GOLD | CAN Jordan Carroll – 15.000
- SILVER | SCO Reuben Ward – 14.966
- BRONZE | SCO Cameron Lynn – 13.833
Congratulations to Reuben and Cameron on their performances and historic results.
Next up
There’s only one more day of artistic gymnastics to go at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with Cameron and Reuben returning to one more final each.
Tuesday 28 July | Apparatus finals day two: 1-5.30pm
- Men’s vault, parallel bars (Reuben) & high bar (Cameron)
- Women’s balance beam & floor
Can’t make it to The Arena? Live coverage is on TNT Sports. Click the buttons below to find all the latest news and updates from Glasgow and your nearest club.
Photography credit: Ewan Bootman