History maker Ward closes out European All-Around Top 24 Final

Gymnastics Ireland junior Robert Ward has finished competition at the 2026 European All-Around final in Zagreb placing 22nd. He hit a score 71.031 with his highest apparatus score being 13.600 on Vault.

Ward made history earlier this week as the first ever Irish junior gymnast to qualify top 24 to an All-Around final at a European Championships, also finishing a superb 4^th in the Vault final.

Coach Scott Shearon added: 

“Closing out on his first ever junior Europeans, Robert performed in the All-Around Finals today where he finished 22nd with a score of 71.031. A standout mention was another big score on vault in 13.6 which shows Rob’s consistency on this apparatus. Rob also made history in becoming Ireland’s 1st junior gymnast to make the AA finals at a European Championships. He should be very proud of himself in the way he performed at these championships with maturity, pride & style. A lot of key lessons he has learned to take into the future from this incredible experience. A huge thank you goes to Gymnastics Ireland for the opportunity, the club, Phoenix, the coaching & medical team, the parents & to everyone behind the scenes.”

Gymnastics Ireland Performance & Technical Director Sally Johnson said:

"A great way to close out the European Championships for Robert Ward in the all around final! These European Championships have been our most successful with having six finalists for the first time.This is showing that standards are certainly improving. The gymnasts and coaches are all working smart, delivering good-quality gymnastics and continuing to raise the level.

A fantastic championships overall, and a real reflection of the hard work, commitment and progress being made. Well done to everyone involved!"

Gymnastics Ireland CEO Ciaran Galagher added: 

“Robert looked completely at home as one of the Top 24 Junior European gymnasts… he went 6 for 6 for the 2nd time without major error demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. A gymnast that proved today that a big international career lies ahead for him. Huge congratulations to Robert, his coaches & club and our national performance team!”

Well done and congratulations to all gymnasts, coaches and judges!

Competition Scores

All-Around score 71.031 ranking 22^nd

• Horizontal Bar - 12.266
• Floor - 12.533
• Pommel Horse - 11.466
• Rings - 11.066
• Vault - 13.600
• Parallel Bars - 10.100

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