McDonald stuns with Commonwealth Games Gold 

Victorian Kate McDonald has stunned the world and herself, walking away with her first ever Gold Medal on Balance Beam at the 2022 Commonwealth Games overnight. 

McDonald, who turned 22 a day before the final, entered the competition hoping to secure a place in the final of her main event, Uneven Bars but instead found herself qualifying for the Balance Beam Apparatus Final. McDonald decided to just simply enjoy the moment and give it all her with nothing to lose, allowing her to piece together an incredible performance, looking poised and composed throughout.

It was evident from her face upon finishing the routine that McDonald was happy with her performance, but this happiness turned to shock when the score was revealed a near flawless routine netting her a score of 13.466, .033 ahead of team captain, and All Around gold medallist Georgia Godwin. 
Speaking to the media following the triumph, an overwhelmed McDonald said. “I’m in absolute shock, if I’m completely honest… I truly wasn’t expecting a score like that. I just tried to have as much fun as possible and enjoy it, and here we are!”

Gymnastics Australia CEO Alexandra Ash was full of praise for McDonald, saying that “to take home any medal, yet alone Gold, at a Commonwealth Games, is an incredible achievement.” 

Kate’s Gold medal rounded out a successful five days of competition of Women’s Artistic gymnastics with the team securing three gold, three silver and a bronze medal.