Artistic | Reuben Ward selected for the 2026 Artistic World Championships
Reuben Ward has been named in Great Britain’s team for the 2026 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.
His selection comes after a phenomenal year for the Manchester Academy gymnast at Scottish, British and Commonwealth levels.
Most notably, Ward made history at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games by becoming the first Team Scotland gymnast to win the all-around champion title. He returned to the podium after claiming silver in the pommel horse final, with teammate Cameron Lynn in bronze position. The pair, making history as the first two Scots to share a Commonwealth podium.
Reuben is the first Scottish gymnast to be named on an artistic world championships team since Dan Purvis at Montreal 2017. When asked about his world championships selection, Reuben said:
“At the start of the year I set myself three goals for gymnastics. Become a Commonwealth champion, be proud of my performances in trials, and to be a part of the World medal winning team.
“So far, I’ve ticked these off and the last one is in progress. I’m grateful and proud to be selected and I can’t wait to show the world who I am.”
Scottish pride
Scottish Gymnastics pathway and performance lead manager Kenny More added:
“We are thrilled at Reuben’s inclusion in the GB team to compete at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam. It caps a terrific year of progress by Reuben and his coach, Jake Seager, which also saw him clinch the Commonwealth Games all-around title.
“It’s great reward for the consistent work he puts in at Manchester Academy, and within our own national programme of training activity. Right now, he’s on a great trajectory to be considered for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”
Joining Reuben is his personal and Glasgow 2026 Team Scotland assistant coach Jake Seagar. On the women’s side, Scotland’s national artistic technical lead Scott Hann MBE is selected as women’s team manager. With City of Glasgow’s Pauline Smith attending as the delegation’s women’s judge.
Congratulations Reuben, Jake, Pauline and Scott on your selections. Best wishes on your final preparations for the championships between 17 and 25 October in Rotterdam, Netherlands.