17 years 133 days.

That will be the age of Ely’s own Ruby Evans when she steps out to compete for Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In doing so it will be the high point of a fledgling gymnastics career which began when she attended the local leisure centre aged just four.

However, she admits initially it wasn’t love at first sight.

“I went to Western leisure centre at four as a joke with my cousin,” says Evans.

“He didn’t enjoy it and neither did I at first! They thought I was really good and should keep going.”

“They wanted to take her to the next advanced class in Fairwater, but she was insistent on not going,” continues mum Leanne.

“So, we bribed her!” adds dad, Chris.

“They said how talented she was, and I think she was a bit overwhelmed.

“It was two quid, drop off at 2pm and then pick up at 7pm, almost free day care and she’d learn a bit of gymnastics along the way. It was a no-brainer!”

Evidently, the decision to keep going has proven to be the right one with Evans’ first competition proving a turning point.

“I started getting the hang of it, enjoying it a bit more and then won my first competition,” says

“From there I kept going to different competitions and kept winning. Welsh gymnastics noticed me, and I trialled for them and then I’ve been training at Sophia Gardens ever since.

“Coming here and making friends, all my closest friends are from gymnastics.

“If I had nothing to do it would drive me insane, obviously I like my days off don’t get me wrong, but if I just went to school and went home, I’d go crazy, my brain needs to do something.”

Welsh Olympic History

Evans admits balancing her GCSEs whilst competing in Europe was “very hard” but is now able to completely focus on the upcoming Paris Games having been announced as part of GB’s five-strong women’s team.

Evans will be one of five going to the Olympics including Alice Kinsella, Becky Downie, Georgia-Mae Fenton and Abi Martin.

The announcement immediately preceded a surprise homecoming at Sophia Gardens where friends and family celebrated Evans’ selection alongside coaches and teammates.

“When I was selected, I didn’t know what to say,” says Evans.

“It was a phone call and I think I just said, ‘thank you’. I was only allowed to tell my parents and my coach and that’s when it hit home a bit more.

“Coming back from the announcement day was amazing. I’ve been holding in the news for about two weeks and now it’s finally out and I can talk about it.

“To be surprised by all my family and friends at the gym, everyone I’ve ever met in my life from my first teacher to my last, it’s amazing because they show just how much support I have around me in Wales.”

In being selected Evans has her own place in history, becoming the first Welsh artistic gymnast to go to an Olympics since 1996.

“I didn’t really know the history,” admits Evans.

“My dad told me as he googled it because we hadn’t heard about a Welsh gymnast in a long time.

“It feels amazing to be the one from Wales and the odd one out in a way is special.”

Olympic Teen Team Dream

Reaching the Olympics only became an idea for Evans last year, admitting she’s never watched the games before.

“Growing up I never thought ‘I’m going to go to the Olympics’,” says Evans.

“I was just doing gymnastics. Now I’m going it’s crazy.”

They will be hoping to replicate the achievements of the team in Tokyo who won Olympic bronze.

“GB is a very good team with a successful past,” says Evans.

“Last time at Tokyo the team won a bronze medal with a really good team.

“I don’t think we’re going to put any pressure on ourselves, we’re just going to go out there and enjoy the experience.

“Alice was in the team last time and it wasn’t the same as it was during Covid, Becky is so good at bars and then the rest of us it’s our first Olympics for me, Georgia-Mae and Abi.”

Family Support and Inspiring the Next Generation

As with most parents, being a supporter comes with more nerves than competing itself, and Ruby’s mum Leanne is no different.

“I never watch! I normally hide,” says Leanne.

“I record it but look away and then watch it back afterwards once I know the result.”

Despite their nerves, Evans’ family have been a constant source of support and help over the years, taking her to events up and down the country along with daily practices.

“It does mean a lot to us,” says Chris.

“We have been traipsing up and down the country, but we’ve enjoyed every second.

“People did ask me ‘What will ever come of it?’ and to be honest we didn’t have any expectations and whatever will be will be, but now she’s going to the Olympics!

“We’ll fly out there for the opening ceremony and stay there for nine nights, if you’re going to go you might as well enjoy it!”

“My family have been amazing,” adds Evans.

“They’re the ones that put me into gym and it’s just as hard for them to take the days off work.

“Bring me to training, take me to the airport all the time every day. Also, there’re fees and there’s a lot of money that’s gone into this sport, hopefully I can repay them one day.

“They’ve never pressured me and if something goes wrong, they basically just laugh at me and tell me to get over it as it’s not that big of a deal and I think that’s the best way to be, to go with the flow and that’s what’s got me here.

“My cousin was outside earlier doing cartwheels and she loves it. I think she copies me, and I’ve inspired her to carry on as well. It is something special to know that people do enjoy watching me and hopefully I can inspire a few along the way.”

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