With the Artistic Gymnastics world championships to come later this year, Jarman (pictured) took the tough decision to skip Glasgow 2026 and instead focus on his preparations for that event.

But the 24-year-old made sure he was at Glasgow International Arena for Friday’s opening day of Artistic Gymnastics to offer his support.

“Just being in this environment almost brings back the same feelings that I experienced when I competed in Birmingham four years ago,” Jarman said.

“The Commonwealth Games is probably the only competition I've experienced where you have a first subdivision really early in the morning where the arena is packed and everyone is cheering for everyone. It’s such a lovely experience and it's so unique to these Games.”
Jake Jarman

Jarman’s triumphs in the Team, All-around, Floor and Vault in 2022 were a springboard to winning world championship Vault gold in 2023 and Floor gold in 2025. He also claimed floor bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

But missing out on the chance to defend his titles has given him time to work on his routines ahead of October's world championships in Rotterdam, which will be Great Britain’s first chance to earn qualification places for the Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Difficult Routines

“I'm extremely fond of this competition, but I've had to juggle between competing and then working on some more difficult routines,” Jarman said.

“Competing throughout the year makes it difficult to make those progressions.

“I understand how important my routines are in terms of team competition and the team score, and I need to really get these upgrades done, so it was a tough call.

“Being here I do wish I was competing. But at the same time, I need to try and think about the next three to four years down the line and how that is going to look in terms of our team make-up and what routines I'm going to be putting out in the future.”

Jake Jarman competing at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where he became the first male gymnast to take home four gold medals in a single games.

While the Glasgow competition features some experienced competitors, such as Olympic champion Rhys McClenaghan (NIR) and seven-time Commonwealth medallist Marios Georgiou (CYP), Jarman is also mindful of those making their major competition debut.

“It’s incredibly important (for me) to come and support England. I’ve seen a lot of familiar faces from all nations and I’m sure I’ll see a lot more throughout the competition.

“But it's also incredibly important to be able to come here and support those gymnasts who might be here for their first-ever Commonwealth Games.

“They might be a bit nervous - not know what to expect - and I feel like if I'm able to take some stress and pressure off their shoulders or give some words of encouragement for them to be able to compete to their best ability, then I’m happy to be that person.”

For the full schedule and results for Artistic Gymnastics, presented by Longines, click here.