Gemma Lightbourne enjoyed an emotional return to Scotland, a country she previously called home, insisting that she was proud of her performance despite missing out on today’s rhythmic gymnastics final.

Lightbourne, who was born in Bermuda but spent her formative years in Aberdeen, finished 29th out of 32 in the individual all-around competition, consisting of the ribbon, ball, hoop, clubs and rope, with an overall score of 33.325.

The top 16 made it to the final, led by Patricia Bezzoubenko, of Canada, who had an aggregate score of 59.575, Francesca Jones, of Wales, with 57.275, and the Cypriot Themida Christodoulidou on 56.025.

Lightbourne, 17, whose musical accompaniments included Steve Sharples’s Bolero, said that she had savoured every moment of competing at a sold-out Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre Precinct in Glasgow yesterday and hoped to represent Bermuda at future major competitions.

“I was very pleased with how I performed and hope that I made everyone proud of me back home,” said Lightbourne, who had been part of Scotland’s rhythmic gymnastics programme for five years.

“It was a really rewarding experience and the atmosphere was incredible at the venue. I became quite emotional because I was competing against some of my former team-mates and in front of my old coaches.

“I didn’t make the final, but I feel really happy tonight with how I did; I’d definitely like to compete for Bermuda again.”

Lightbourne, a Saltus Grammar School pupil, posted scores of 8.825 in the hoop and 8.225 in the ball, finishing 29th in both, and 8.725 in the clubs and 7.555 in the ribbon, placing 30th in both events.