London 2012 silver medallist Smith led celebrations with a special performance on the high bar balanced over the Thames River, as Glasgow 2014 ambassadors, Sir Chris and Adlington, official Queen's Baton bearers from Lambeth and more than 55 pupils from local schools took part in the event.

"I've obviously got my fingers crossed that I'll be competing in Glasgow next month, I've put the work in and now it's just down to the selectors," said Smith, who returned to gymnastics this year following a brief retirement in 2013.

"Today's event has been great fun and performing on top of the parallel bars overlooking the Thames has definitely been different!

"To everyone already going to Glasgow I'm confident that the Games will be a great event and it's exciting to have a sporting event of this scale back in the UK."

Glasgow 2014 ambassadors Sir Chris Hoy and Rebecca Adlington joined Louis Smith to lead the celebrations on London's Millennium Bridge ©Glasgow 2014



The event today was put on to coincide with the arrival of the Queen's Baton in the capital as part of its 198,000 kilometre journey across the Commonwealth.

The Baton arrived at the Millennium Bridge on the Queen's Official Barge, the Gloriana, where it was greeted by youngsters taking place in a showcase of Commonwealth sports, including cycling, gymnastics and boxing.

"This is a thrilling moment for the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee and Commonwealth Games England," said Lord Smith of Kelvin, chairman of Glasgow 2014.

"With the Queen's Baton travelling through London this weekend, through England next week and making its way back to Scotland a week today, the final countdown to the Games has well and truly begun.

"The event on the Millennium Bridge today has been a superb way to celebrate the arrival of the Queen's Baton back to the great sporting city of London and showcase the sports and excitement we have to look forward to in just six weeks' time.

"The stage is set, Glasgow and Scotland are gearing up to welcome the athletes of the Commonwealth and to host a great sporting and cultural festival.

"Our goal is to deliver the best Commonwealth Games ever and we're ready to welcome the world."

The Baton is set to travel to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park tomorrow where a full sports participation day will be hosted and open to the public.

It will then continue its journey through England before making its way to Scotland on June 14.

From there it will embark on a 40-day journey across the host country before finally settling in Glasgow on June 23 for the Opening Ceremony.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
May 2014: Glasgow 2014 Queen's Baton arrives in Manchester as it begins journey across England
May 2014: Glasgow 2014 Queen's Baton Relay reaches summit of Snowdon as prepares to enter England
May 2014: Welsh leg of Glasgow 2014 Queen's Baton Relay gets underway in Cardiff
May 2014: Glasgow 2014 Queen's Baton Relay makes its way to Wales
May 2014: Daley carries Glasgow 2014 Queen's Baton back to British shores