Ruby Evans, a rising star in the world of gymnastics, has made it to the final of the women’s artistic gymnastics at the Olympic Games in Paris. Competing as part of Team GB, Evans joined forces with Georgia-Mae Fenton, Abigail Martin, and Alice Kinsella, representing their country on vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercises. Their impressive performances secured a qualification total of 160.83, earning them a spot in the team final set for Tuesday evening, July 30.
Who is Ruby Evans?
A Teenage Sensation
Ruby Evans, a 17-year-old gymnast from Cardiff, has made headlines as the first Welsh female artistic gymnast to represent Team GB at the Olympics since 1996. She is also the youngest Welsh athlete on Team GB this year. Her journey into gymnastics began at the age of five, when her parents enrolled her in classes at Cardiff Olympic to channel her energy.
Evans recalls a pivotal moment in her early career: “I was about seven years old and did well in a competition. Some of the other mums assumed I must have been older and complained about me. I ended up having to prove my age, which was a bit strange. That’s when I first thought, maybe I can be decent at this sport.”
Achievements and Accolades
Evans was the first reserve at the European Championships last year, where the Great Britain squad won gold. She later became the first Welsh gymnast to compete at the World Championships. This year, Evans added a European Championship silver medal to her growing list of achievements before making her Olympic debut in Paris.
Outside of gymnastics, Ruby enjoys shopping, doing her makeup, and getting plenty of sleep.
The Surprise Call-Up and ‘No Regrets’ Mindset
Despite her young age, Evans embraced the Olympics with a ‘no regrets’ attitude, expressing surprise and excitement about her selection. “When I first got told I was like ‘OK,’ but now we’re getting nearer I’m like ‘oh my god,'” she said. I was involved in a World Cup the day I found out, so I woke up a bit earlier to have the phone call and didn’t really understand. It was just unreal.”
The good news encouraged her to compete that day, and she gave a strong performance. “I’m obviously going to be focused but I want to enjoy the experience,” Evans added.
Debuting in Front of Hollywood Elite
Making her Olympic debut was challenging enough, but Evans also performed in front of Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise, Ariana Grande, Jessica Chastain, and Snoop Dogg, who were in attendance at Bercy Arena. Despite the high-pressure situation, Evans handled a fall on her face with grace and humor.
“I feel great then – to know you can be in front of those people,” she said. It’s amazing—I didn’t really know but they’ve seen me fall on my face now! I’m very proud. It was quite nerve-wracking but I knew I was going to do it. I think my score was a bit low on the floor, but it doesn’t really matter because I can’t really change that now, so I’m happy.”
Looking Ahead to the Olympic Final
Evans will be part of the Team GB side competing in the Olympic final on Tuesday, July 30, from 5:15 p.m. She will participate in the floor exercise during rotation one alongside teammates Abigail Martin and Alice Kinsella. In rotation two, she will compete in vault with Georgia-Mae Fenton and Kinsella. Evans will not be in action for rotations three or four.
As Evans continues to make history and inspire young athletes worldwide, her journey at the Olympics serves as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of a positive mindset.
