Huge crowds packed into the Glasgow International Arena on Friday morning for the qualifying rounds of men’s Artistic Gymnastics.

With athletes showing incredible skill on apparatus such as Still Rings, Pommel Horse and Parallel Bars, the Glasgow crowd responded with huge cheers, colourful flags and big smiles.

As crowds were greeted at Dalmarnock train station by a piper, the excited audience then selfied with cheerful volunteer Legends on the way to the Arena to watch the young competitors from all over the world.

The loudest cheers in the delighted crowd came from supporters of the Isle of Man’s only competing gymnast, Harry Eyres.

The 20-year-old student was backed by a 14 strong contingent including dad Ben, mum Barbara, brothers Cam, 13, and Ollie, 17, as well as cousins, grandparents and his girlfriend Izzy Melia.

Waving Isle of Man flags and wearing special ‘SuperManx’ T shirts, the popular delegation was loudly cheered by local fans anytime the cameras found their section.

Harry’s father Ben was delighted by the warm welcome: “It’s been so amazing, and it’s Harry’s first Commonwealth Games so we’re so pleased to see the support they’ve all been getting.

“We got the ferry over and drove up last night to get here. We’re so proud - he’s been doing gymnastics since he was three and has worked so hard to get here.”

Harry’s girlfriend Izzy Melia added: “Harry trains six days a week and he's so committed to what he does, we’re so proud to see him doing well and loving the atmosphere here.”

After his event, Harry paid tribute to the Glasgow crowd.

“It was amazing to see the support from my family and everyone. The atmosphere has been brilliant and I’m just trying to soak in as much as I can. It’s been a great turnout.”

Singaporean athlete Asher Pua’s dad Chris, mum Angie and aunt Audrey flew in to cheer him on. The family said they’ve loved their Glasgow 2026 experience.

Chris said: “People see our flags and wish us well for the tournament, and everyone has been very welcoming and supportive.

“The volunteers have been really lovely too. It’s our first time in Scotland and we are delighted to be here – we have been having a great time. We are cheering on all the boys from Singapore.

“When Asher was eight he told us he wanted to go for the Olympics. Part of his goal was to compete at the Commonwealth Games and we are delighted to be here watching him now.”
Chris Pua

As the crowds piled into the Glasgow International Arena, there was a special cheer for a group of young athletes in the stands in Scotland colours as part of the Commonwealth Games Achieve Programme, a Team Scotland development scheme to give promising talent a taste of major tournaments.

Bowler Stewart McAlees (CORR), 25, from Port Glasgow, said: “It’s been really great to be here. The fact this is a home games makes it special, and people have been coming up to us, wishing us well and asking about our sports.”

Programme mentor Megan Richardson accompanied the young athletes from sports such as bowls, weightlifting, diving and badminton.

She said: “There’s been a great level of camaraderie among all the different sports across Team Scotland and when you come to places like this, it’s buzzing.”

Coatbridge mum Helen Agnew, 42, brought one year old daughter Esme and aspiring gymnast Cleo, eight, to their first Games and was delighted to find it so family-friendly with kids’ apparatus to play on during breaks.

“Cleo does some gymnastics so we picked this one to come to. It’s very well set up so you can see all of the action on the floor, and the atmosphere is really supportive.”

Appreciating the support was Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Chane Cumbermack, 18, who said the crowd was incredible.

“It’s amazing. I’ve never experienced such an exciting crowd that gets your energy up like that.”