Four-time Commonwealth Games medallist and artistic gymnast Emily Whitehead made a surprise visit to Albany, Western Australia, inspiring local gymnasts as they trained for their upcoming regional championships.  

In town as part of Legacy Leaves, Commonwealth Games Australia’s newly launched Alumni Recognition Program, Whitehead took time out of her schedule to visit Summit Gymnastics Academy, a brand-new facility quickly making a name for itself in the region. 

The visit included a Q&A session with local gymnasts aged 12 to 15, followed by an opportunity for Emily to watch the athletes in action as they trained, offering tips and tricks along the way. 

Whitehead, who medalled for Australia at both the Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, said she was thrilled to meet the athletes and see the passion for gymnastics thriving in regional locations. 

“It’s so special to visit places like Albany and see how much talent and heart is coming through,” Whitehead said. 

“These gymnasts are working incredibly hard, and being able to answer their questions and watch them train was such a privilege.” 

“It’s great to see facilities like this giving kids in regional areas the chance to thrive and chase big dreams.” 

Among the athletes training was 16-year-old Ruby Welsh, a level seven gymnast who recently won the Western Australian Regional Championships. She couldn’t believe she had the chance to meet one of her idols. 

“I’ve watched Emily compete so many times, she’s amazing,” Ruby said. 

“Having her here in our gym, watching us, and actually talking to us… it’s a day I’ll never forget!” 

“I’m even more inspired now to train hard and hopefully make it to a Commonwealth Games one day.” 

Summit Gymnastics Academy is led by Head Coach Michelle Headley, who said Emily’s visit was a powerful moment for the club. 

“For Emily to take time out to visit our gym, it meant the world to our athletes and families,” Headley said. 

“She showed our kids what’s possible, and that even from a small town, big dreams can become reality, like competing on the world stage at events like the Commonwealth Games.” 

The visit was coordinated alongside the Great Southern Academy of Sport (GSAS), which plays a vital role in supporting local athletic development in the region. 

“You can’t be what you can’t see, so having someone like Emily visit shows young athletes what’s possible, especially with Glasgow 2026 on the horizon” said GSAS Executive Officer, Dani Carne. 

“It motivates them in a way that training alone can’t, the kind of experience that can have a real impact on an athlete’s journey.” 

“It makes it real for them. You can’t put a price on that.” 

With the countdown officially on, many of the young gymnasts left the session dreaming of one day representing Australia themselves.  

Whitehead’s visit marks one of many community-focused engagements by Commonwealth Games Australia during the one-year-to-go milestone for Glasgow 2026, aimed at inspiring the next generation, celebrating past achievements and reinforcing the legacy of the Games across the country.