Ruby Evans, the 18-year-old Welsh gymnast who recently won a silver medal at the World Championships, has spoken out about the unusual side effect of her newfound fame: being stopped for photos in Tesco.
Evans, who became the first Welsh gymnast to win an individual medal at the World Championships, says she's been getting stopped by strangers in the supermarket after her historic achievement. While it may seem like a harmless encounter, Evans says it's taking some getting used to having people stop and ask for photos, especially when she's just trying to grab some bread or milk.
"I've had people say 'oh my god, I'm such a big fan of you!' and then they'll start asking for selfies," Evans told the BBC. "It's a bit surreal, but at the same time, it's lovely to know that people are excited about what I've achieved."
Evans says she's enjoying her newfound fame, but it's not all fun and games. She's had to deal with the usual media attention that comes with success, including constant requests for interviews and photos.
"It can be a bit overwhelming at times," Evans said. "But overall, I'm just trying to take it one day at a time and enjoy the experience."
Evans' rise to fame has also brought some benefits, including a warm welcome home in Cardiff after her historic achievement in Jakarta, Indonesia earlier this month. The young gymnast says she's grateful for the support of her family and friends, who have been with her every step of the way.
"I'm just trying to stay grounded and not let it all go to my head," Evans said. "But at the same time, I'm enjoying every moment of it."
As Evans continues to bask in the glow of her success, she's also reminding people that there's more to her than just a few medals. She's a talented gymnast with a bright future ahead of her, and she's determined to make the most of this incredible opportunity.
"I'm just trying to focus on my training and do what I love," Evans said. "And if people want to take photos and congratulate me, that's great too."
Evans, who became the first Welsh gymnast to win an individual medal at the World Championships, says she's been getting stopped by strangers in the supermarket after her historic achievement. While it may seem like a harmless encounter, Evans says it's taking some getting used to having people stop and ask for photos, especially when she's just trying to grab some bread or milk.
"I've had people say 'oh my god, I'm such a big fan of you!' and then they'll start asking for selfies," Evans told the BBC. "It's a bit surreal, but at the same time, it's lovely to know that people are excited about what I've achieved."
Evans says she's enjoying her newfound fame, but it's not all fun and games. She's had to deal with the usual media attention that comes with success, including constant requests for interviews and photos.
"It can be a bit overwhelming at times," Evans said. "But overall, I'm just trying to take it one day at a time and enjoy the experience."
Evans' rise to fame has also brought some benefits, including a warm welcome home in Cardiff after her historic achievement in Jakarta, Indonesia earlier this month. The young gymnast says she's grateful for the support of her family and friends, who have been with her every step of the way.
"I'm just trying to stay grounded and not let it all go to my head," Evans said. "But at the same time, I'm enjoying every moment of it."
As Evans continues to bask in the glow of her success, she's also reminding people that there's more to her than just a few medals. She's a talented gymnast with a bright future ahead of her, and she's determined to make the most of this incredible opportunity.
"I'm just trying to focus on my training and do what I love," Evans said. "And if people want to take photos and congratulate me, that's great too."
but at the same time i'm like... shouldn't she be able to just chill there too without being bothered all the time? 
also, isn't it a bit weird that people are expecting her to be "on" all the time just because they're fans? 
i mean, can't they just let her have a quiet moment to grab some bread or something? 
i think its cool shes tryna stay grounded tho like dont let all that glitz n glitter go to ur head 
anyways congrats 2 her on the silver medal she must be so proud of herself 
She's right tho, it is surreal. I mean, she's still 18 and going about her day like normal, and then suddenly everyone's stopping her for pics. It's like, what even is that? 
And yeah, I feel bad for her having to deal with all the attention, but at the same time, who wouldn't want to be famous and get congrats from people all day? 
I feel bad for Ruby Evans, she's like totally caught off guard by all the attention 
. I mean, I get it, she's achieved something amazing and people wanna congratulate her, but girl needs a break too! 
Anyway, I'm glad she's staying grounded and not letting fame go to her head 
. I mean, it's one thing when you're walking down the street with a big entourage, but when you're just trying to grab some essentials in the supermarket, it can be kinda awkward 
. But at the same time, it's awesome that people are excited about her achievements! She's got a lot of humility for someone who's basically on top of the world right now