Former Haberdashers' Crayford Academy pupil Marfa Ekimova has claimed gold in the rhythmic gymnastics all-around final of the Commonwealth Games. The 17-year-old became the first ever English gymnast to take the title in this event, and led the field from the very start, eventually posting a total of 112.300.

Ekimova, who also won bronze in the team event on Thursday, said: “It’s amazing, it’s incredible, it’s a dream come true. It was madness, a roaring crowd, anything a gymnast could ever wish for."

She had a slender lead of 0.700 after three rotations and posted a score of 27.100 in the final event.

She said: “I didn’t know what the scores were going to be, I just knew I did the best I could do. I wanted to make my country proud and my family at home."

And with so many young faces in attendance and watching on from home, Ekimova is on a mission to introduce the sport to the next generation of gymnasts.

She said: “I hope to inspire the kids in the crowd, I want them to be rhythmic gymnasts and this sport to carry on through the generations. I love the feeling of performing and I want people to enjoy my performances, my character and my passion.”

Many congratulation Marfa, from all at the Haberdashers' Company.