Jake Jarman
The sheer power the 20-year-old possesses has been well-known for years, but his breakthrough was delayed by few competitions during Covid and frustrating injuries. In Birmingham, he took his opportunity spectacularly. Not only did he become the first men’s gymnast to win four gold medals: all-around, team, vault and floor, but he did so with some truly world-class gymnastics. His vaulting in particular is already some of the best in the world and his floor is not far behind. This is only the beginning, and it will be fascinating to see how far he can go.
Bello brothers
Day after day, the crowds packed out Birmingham’s Smithfield venue not for athletics, swimming or any other core Commonwealth Games sport, but for beach volleyball, a minority sport among minority sports in Great Britain. Throughout this period, the athletic, dynamic style of the 22-year-old twins, Joaquin and Javier Bello, who were born in Madrid before moving to London as children, has been one of the most joyful sights of the Games. They topped off an incredible tournament by winning bronze while also moving closer to their goal of bringing beach volleyball to as many people as possible in Great Britain. It has been a good start.
