West Lothian gymnast Shannon Archer reflects on historic Commonwealth Games bronze medal

A tearful Shannon Archer admitted she ‘genuinely couldn’t believe it’ after the Uphall gymnast created history by winning Scotland’s first-ever individual women’s gymnastics medal at a Commonwealth Games.

The 24-year-old produced an incredible performance to win bronze in the women’s vault competition yesterday.

Having qualified in first place, Shannon confessed to nerves prior to the final but produced under pressure as she was the final gymnast to compete.

A 13.266 score on her first vault was hindered slightly by a -0.3 penalty for stepping out but a near-perfect second vault on a lower tariff ensured a 12.900 score and propelled her above Canada’s Emma Spence and into third place, securing her place in Scottish sports history.

Speaking to Scottish Gymnastics afterwards, she said: “It’s definitely not sunk in yet. It’s never been done before and we did know it was possible, but we didn’t want any expectations going into the final.

“We just wanted to land my vaults and see what happens but I’m very, very happy to have this medal round my neck just now.

“I woke up this morning feeling the nerves. We knew I’d qualified first for the final and there was a chance it could happen but I just tried to block that out and focus on my vaults.”

She added: “Seeing that third next to my name, I just genuinely couldn’t believe it. It’s a massive relief that all the hard work I’ve put into this, me and my coaches, it’s all paid off.

“I could definitely hear my family cheering when I was going for my vaults. I have my mum and my gran here, Gemma my sister is working the event so she’s here too, as well as lots of support from back home. I’m going to go and see them after this for a few celebrations, and just soak up the moment."

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