Rhys McClenaghan claims historic gold medal at World Gymnastics Championships
Ireland's Rhys McClenaghan has claimed pommel horse gold at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool.
The Down-native followed up his impressive performances in qualifying to become Ireland's first world champion in gymnastics.
23-year-old McClenaghan was a bronze medal at the 2019 championships in Stuttgart.
A moment ☘️ A routine to remember 🤸 pic.twitter.com/jNapSDnUj3
— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) November 5, 2022
McClenaghan's routine scored him 15.300, well ahead of silver medalist Ahmad Abu Al Soud, who came in at 14.886.
WORLD CHAAAAMPIONN!!!!
RHYS MCCLENAGHAN 🥇☘️
THE FIRST EVER 🇮🇪@McClenaghanRhys pic.twitter.com/06Iju5DBHG
— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) November 5, 2022
Gymnastics Ireland’s National Coach, Luke Carson said: “Today the plan came together with precision. I have known Rhys could be a World Champion since 2014, today was that day. I am very proud to be part of this monumental moment in Irish sport. Thank you to Sport Ireland and Gymnastics Ireland for their wonderful support.”
Gymnastics Ireland’s Performance and Technical Manager Sally Johnson added: “As I said in qualification, that is the definition of a World Class athlete, confidence, focused, great preparation, so well composed! An extremely proud day for Rhys, his family, his coach Luke and for Gymnastics Ireland!”
Gymnastics Ireland’s CEO Mr Ciaran Gallagher said: “Words can’t describe how we all feel about what Rhys just did today… We are a small nation and we have a world champion in the global sport of gymnastics! To Rhys & our National Coach Luke Carson all I can say is thank you!
"Congratulations to Rhys’ mum & dad Tracy & Danny, again also to Luke, our Performance & Technical Manager Sally Johnson & Head of Performance Services Julianne Ryan, judge Denis Donoghue and of course most of all Rhys - our World Champion!”
