Gymnastics star Rhys McClenaghan became the first Irish World Gymnastics Champion on Saturday when he took the Gold Medal on pommel horse at the 2022 World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool.
The winning routine was broadcast live on RTÉ2 and was watched at the Sport Ireland Indoor Arena by nearly 1,500 gymnasts, coaches, and fans during the Gymnastics Ireland National Series competition.
“Today the plan came together with precision,” said National Coach Luke Carson.
“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.”
“That is the definition of a World Class athlete, confidence, focused, great preparation, so well composed,” added Gymnastics Ireland’s Performance and Technical Manager Sally Johnson.
“This is an extremely proud day for Rhys, his family, his coach Luke and for Gymnastics Ireland.”
“Words can’t describe how we all feel about what Rhys just did today,” said Gymnastics Ireland CEO Ciaran Gallagher.
“We are a small nation and we have a world champion in the global sport of gymnastics. To Rhys and 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 and Head of Performance Services Julianne Ryan, judge Denis Donoghue and of course most of all Rhys – our World Champion.”
McClenaghan adds this World Championship title to wins at the European Championship and the Commonwealth Games of 2018.
His scores of 6.4 for difficulty and 8.9 for execution gave him an early lead in the final and none of his rivals were able to break the combined 15.0 mark.
“This is something I’ve dreamed of for many years,” he said after winning.
“I’ve dedicated my life to this sport and to be world champion makes it all worthwhile.”
“It just proves to myself and many others I’m still capable of going there and winning Olympic gold, which is a very exciting thought.”
“I know I can perform under this immense pressure and I can do the same in Paris.”
McClenaghan is 23 years old and can now stand as one of Ireland’s all-time greats on the global sporting stage.
