Reuben Ward has been announced as Team Scotland’s flag bearer for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony after winning All-Around gold in Artistic Gymnastics, and becoming the first Scottish male gymnast to do so in Games history.

Ward secured the title by just 0.200 points with a final score of 79.650 at a packed Glasgow International Arena on Day 3 of competition before following up his triumph with a superb silver medal on the Pommel Horse the following day, where teammate Cameron Lynn earned bronze, completing Team Scotland’s first-ever double podium finish.

The wins completed a full-circle moment for the 21-year-old who pursued gymnastics after being inspired by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The Closing Ceremony takes place tonight where Ward will carry the Saltire flag on to The Hydro stage after etching his name into the history books.

He said: “It’s an incredible honour to have been asked to carry the flag for Team Scotland at the Closing Ceremony and it caps an unbelievable Games for not only myself but Scottish gymnastics as a whole.

“To be leaving with a gold and silver medal is the stuff of dreams and to do so at a home Games is really special.

“Glasgow 2026 will live with me for the rest of my life. I’ll never forget the noise of the Scottish crowd when I won the gold medal and I was delighted when the Chef de Mission called me last night and asked me to be the flag bearer.

“I missed out on the Opening Ceremony as I was in competition the next day but this more than makes up for it.”

Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “Reuben has been an outstanding ambassador for Team Scotland and Scottish gymnastics throughout these Games and he thoroughly deserves the honour of carrying the Saltire at tonight’s Closing Ceremony.

“To make history by winning our first-ever All-Around gold and then winning a silver medal the next day is a remarkable achievement. I hope he enjoys every second.”

Previous Team Scotland Closing Ceremony flag bearers include Commonwealth champions Eilish McColgan (Athletics, 2022), Duncan Scott (Swimming, 2018), Alex Marshall (Bowls, 2014), Jonathan Hammond (Shooting, 2010), Gregor Tait (Swimming, 2006), Alison Shepherd (Swimming, 2002), Shirley MacIntosh (Shooting, 1994) and Albert Patrick (Wrestling, 1986).

The Closing Ceremony for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games takes place at The Hydro on Sunday, 2 August.