‘Like a dream’: Saskatoon’s Jordan Carroll looks ahead after double Commonwealth win
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- Saskatoon gymnast Jordan Carroll won two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, including the pommel horse event.
- Carroll secured gold in the team event and later in his specialty, pommel horse, with a personal-best score.
- He aims to qualify for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships and eventually compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Saskatoon gymnast Jordan Carroll is still processing his remarkable achievement of winning two gold medals at the recent Commonwealth Games. "How much can you really sink it in? It still feels like a dream," Carroll shared, reflecting on his success.
How much can you really sink it in? It still feels like a dream.
The 20-year-old athlete first helped Canada secure gold in the team competition. He then went on to claim another gold medal in his signature event, the pommel horse, achieving a personal-best score of 15.000. Carroll described a particularly special moment after his solo win, where he presented a heart shape to his father, who was visibly emotional.
Born in St. John's, N.L., Carroll has called Saskatoon home since he was one year old and has trained with coach Markos Baikas at his home club throughout his career. "I’ve never been more proud to represent my country, my club and my province. It’s just like, it’s so fulfilling and I feel so proud," Carroll said, noting the celebratory reception he received from his club upon his return.
When I landed, I remember presenting. I showed a heart to my dad. I remember that; that was a special moment.
Baikas, who has coached Carroll since the beginning of his gymnastics journey, admitted to being extremely nervous while watching the competition from the gym. He recognized Carroll's natural talent early on, even after the young gymnast took a break from the sport for a few years. "I think you might have the potential to compete at this high level and excel very well, maybe at the Olympic Games too," Baikas recalled telling Carroll.
He doesn’t like to admit it, but he cried.
The Commonwealth Games mark Carroll's biggest career accomplishment to date. However, he is already setting his sights higher, aiming to qualify for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam this fall. His ultimate dream remains to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Carroll believes his recent victories have significantly boosted his confidence and drive for future competitions, stating, "Each time I get another gold medal, I can see the Olympics getting closer and closer."
I’ve never been more proud to represent my country, my club and my province. It’s just like, it’s so fulfilling and I feel so proud.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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