England gymnast Gabriel Langton was rushed to hospital after suffering a frightening fall during the men’s team gymnastics final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on July 24.
The 19-year-old crashed head and neck first onto the mat after missing a catch on the high bar, bringing the competition to a halt as medical teams rushed to help him.
Highlights
- Gabriel Langton suffered a terrifying fall from the high bar, prompting an immediate medical response.
- Team England later confirmed Langton was conscious, moving his limbs, and speaking before being taken to hospital.
- The incident sparked an outpouring of support for the gymnast.
The incident left athletes and spectators visibly shaken. As clips of the fall spread online, one concerned viewer wrote, "Seeing him land like that was really terrifying, praying for a full and speedy recovery."
Gymnast Gabriel Langton fell head-first after missing a catch on the high bar during Commonwealth Games
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The accident happened during the final rotation of the men’s team competition at The Arena in Glasgow.
Langton was performing on the high bar when he missed his grip while attempting a release move around three meters above the floor.
He fell directly onto his head and neck, causing the competition to stop immediately.
Medical staff rushed onto the floor within seconds, and the arena fell silent as they began treating him.
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Around 10 to 12 medical personnel surrounded Langton while carefully stabilizing his head and neck before placing him on a stretcher.
He was eventually taken out of the arena wearing a neck brace as the crowd applauded.
Team England later confirmed that Langton was conscious, moving his arms and legs, and speaking with doctors before being transported to hospital.
In a statement, Team England said, "We are grateful to the medical teams who responded immediately to assist. He has been taken to hospital, and we will share more information when it is available."
Langton’s dramatic incident came during a closely contested battle between England and Canada for the team title
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Langton had joined the England squad as a late replacement for injured six-time Olympic medalist Max Whitlock.
After the lengthy delay, competition eventually resumed.
England finished with the silver medal, while Canada claimed its first Commonwealth Games men’s team gold in nearly two decades.
Langton was unable to stand on the podium with his teammates because he had already been taken to hospital.
Although England celebrated another medal, much of the attention remained focused on Langton’s condition after the fall.
Following the incident, Langton’s teammates said it was difficult to continue competing
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One of the hardest moments came when teammate Luke Whitehouse had to perform on the same high bar immediately after Langton’s accident.
Whitehouse admitted it was extremely difficult to regain his focus.
"It was really tough. We just had to reset, try to put it to one side mentally and focus on the job we had to do."
He said the team supported one another before continuing.
"We all agreed we'd take another warm-up and bring our energy back into it."
Whitehouse praised both the coaches and his teammates for staying together during such an emotional moment.
"The togetherness of the team really showed, and I couldn't be prouder of everyone,” he said.
Speaking later, he also shared the latest update he had received. "From what I've heard, he's doing OK."
Whitehouse added that incidents like this are a reminder of the risks gymnasts accept every time they compete.
"Gymnastics is such a dangerous sport and things like this can happen,” Whitehouse added.
Apart from teammates, other gymnasts also sent their support
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The accident affected competitors from other countries as well.
Canadian gymnast Félix Dolci, who helped his country win gold, said everyone in the arena was thinking about Langton.
"It's terrible. All our thoughts go to Gabriel and the team,” he said.
Dolci said the incident reminded everyone how demanding gymnastics can be.
"It's a very, very difficult and complicated sport. It's dangerous."
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Scottish gymnast Hamish Carter also spoke after the competition.
"I'm just so happy that he's alright,” he said.
He further added that, after witnessing the aftermath, medals no longer felt like the most important thing. "I'm thinking of Gabe at this moment."
As videos of the accident spread across social media, many viewers said they had not realized how dangerous gymnastics can be
Several people questioned whether additional spotters should have been positioned near the apparatus.
One viewer wrote, "Whyyyyy were they not nearby? I thought spotters were usually required for situations like this? That fall looked awful."
Others hoped Langton would recover. "Ohh God that's a nasty landing. I hope he is ok."
Another person wrote, "That landing looked brutal from the replay, hope he's alright."
One viewer described the incident as "sickening to the stomach", while others pointed out that seeing Langton move before leaving the arena gave them hope.
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"Ooooo that's horrific. But he's moving his arms and legs, so that's a good sign,” one commenter said.
Another added, "Really puts into perspective how much courage gymnastics takes. Wishing him all the best."
Another parent shared a personal experience.
"My daughter just quit gymnastics. 12 years old and already 3 fractures and a back injury. Most dangerous sport in the world. Thank god we've moved on."
"That was incredibly difficult to watch. I pray he is ok," wrote one user
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