Glasgow: Gabriel Langton feared for gymnastics future after Commonwealth Games fall
Gymnast released from hospital after fall
England gymnast Gabriel Langton has been discharged from hospital following a fall during the Commonwealth Games men’s team gymnastics final. The 19-year-old spent 20 hours in a neck brace after landing on his head from a height of three metres during Friday’s competition. Team England management confirmed his release on Saturday, stating he underwent multiple scans.
Langton’s fall occurred while attempting a handstand position on the high bar, losing his grip and falling headfirst onto the mat. He described the move as one he had performed “1,000 times” before this incident. The competition experienced a significant delay as Langton received extensive treatment before being removed from the arena on a trolley and then a stretcher.
Following his release, Langton reported feeling “a little bit sore and a little bit stiff” but expressed that he could not “complain too much.” Scans revealed swelling and bruising, which allowed him to leave the hospital on Saturday night.
Concerns over gymnastics future
Langton initially feared for his future in gymnastics after the fall. He stated that the question of whether he could continue in the sport was a primary concern during the 20 hours leading up to his MRI scan results. He told the media that knowing he could speak and move his fingers and toes was crucial, with his main thought being the possibility of returning to gymnastics.
The gymnast described an initial feeling of frustration and embarrassment before fully comprehending the seriousness of the situation. He acknowledged the moment he realised the fall would not be “comfortable” was when both hands left the bar. Despite the severity of the incident, Langton maintains trust in his gymnastics ability, calling the event a “freak accident.”
Langton was drafted into the squad as a replacement for six-time Olympic medallist Max Whitlock, who was injured.
Team support and silver medal
The incident cast a shadow over the remainder of the competition in Glasgow. Despite the disruption, the England team secured a silver medal in the event, finishing behind Canada. This marked the first time England’s men had not won the team title since 2010.
Langton was not present at the medal ceremony, where his teammates Luke Whitehouse, Alex Yolshin-Cash, Josh Nathan, and Adam Tobin collected their silver medals. He received his medal upon his return to the team hotel on Saturday evening, where he was met with applause from his teammates and coaches. He described the moment as “incredible” and expressed his appreciation for seeing his personal coach from Birmingham.
With no further competition scheduled for himself, Langton was back in the arena on Sunday to support his teammates during the men’s all-around final. He plans to “take it easy for a couple of days and do the rehab” before resuming training in the near future.
Team England management noted Langton was in “good spirits” and grateful for the support messages and medical care received. He expressed excitement about reuniting with the team to celebrate his silver medal.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”
