Rhys McClenaghan

Rhys McClenaghan Flies into Olympic Pommel Horse Final – Time to Shine!

Northern Ireland's Rhys McClenaghan is back to dazzle the world in the Pommel Horse final at Paris 2024! Can he snatch that elusive gold?

Northern Ireland's very own Rhys McClenaghan has officially secured his place in the final of the men's pommel horse at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and fans couldn't be prouder! With his impeccable routine, McClenaghan showcased his skills and composure at Arena Bercy, finishing with the joint highest score of the day – 15.200 – alongside USA's Stephen Nedoroscik. This marks McClenaghan's second Olympic Final appearance, having made history as the first Irish gymnast to qualify for an Olympic Final during the Tokyo Olympics in 2022.

Rhys reflects on his journey, declaring, "Perfection isn’t attainable but we’ll try," which embodies the spirit of an athlete determined to push beyond limits, both for himself and for his country. His performance was not only a testament to his hard work but also a reflection of his character, as he maintained his cool under pressure despite an agonizing wait to learn whether he had qualified. When that spot in the final was secured, the cheers from his supporters resonated throughout the arena.

Outshining his competitors, including the likes of Nedoroscik, McClenaghan is ready to make his mark once again, as he targets the only medal that has eluded him thus far—a gold. As the countdown continues, the anticipation only grows for the showdown next Saturday. Fans from all over Ireland will be glued to their screens, eager to see if Rhys can elevate his game and secure that coveted first-place finish for the Emerald Isle.

To give a bit of background, McClenaghan's remarkable prowess on the pommel horse has set him apart in gymnastics. Since he's only been competing in this discipline for a few years, his growth and achievements are remarkable. Let's also not forget that in addition to gymnastics glory, Ireland's rugby sevens team is also competing fiercely for a spot in the finals, making it an exciting time for all sports fans! Stay tuned as we cheer for our athletes!