Ropers make history with double Commonwealth Games bronze

Twin sisters Emily and Abigail Roper made Commonwealth Games history after both won bronze medals within minutes of each other.

The School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences students delivered a remarkable double success for Wales on Monday, with Abigail claiming bronze in the women's vault before Emily followed with bronze in the uneven bars.

Abigail's medal was Wales' first Commonwealth Games medal in the women's vault since Sonia Lawrence won bronze in 1994. Emily then completed an unforgettable afternoon for the sisters by securing her own place on the podium after narrowly missing out on a medal in the vault.

All pictures with a * credit Team Wales and Imagecomms

Reflecting on the incredible Glasgow games success, Abigail said: "I can't even put into words how crazy it is. I went into this final with no expectations, it was my first final at a major tournament and I was just happy to make it.

"To come away with a bronze medal is just insane."

Emily admitted recovering from the disappointment of finishing fourth in the vault made her bronze medal even more satisfying.

She said: "Coming back from the vault was disappointing but I was super proud for Ab.

"It was about doing my own thing on the bars and this result was just amazing. I just needed to regather my emotions and just know I knew what I could do.

"Going from vault straight to bars, it wasn't that long a time. So being resilient obviously helped a lot and I'm glad it paid off."

'Simply incredible' 

Emily and Abigail are supported through the University's Performance Sport programme, which helps talented athletes combine elite competition with their studies - whilst also representing the student Essex Blades in national contests.

Their medals continue Essex's proud tradition of supporting student athletes to compete on the world stage and represent their countries at the highest level.

Director of Sport Dr Dave Parry said: "Watching Emily and Abigail make history together has been a proud moment for everyone at Essex. Winning one Commonwealth Games medal is an extraordinary achievement, but for twin sisters studying at Essex to both claim bronze on the same day is simply incredible.

"Their commitment, professionalism and determination set the standard for what our Performance Sport programme is all about. We are immensely proud of what they have achieved and know this is only the beginning of what promises to be an outstanding sporting journey.

"They are outstanding ambassadors for Essex and we can't wait to welcome them back to campus to celebrate this historic achievement together."