Rhys McClenaghan
Breaking Barriers – Bouncing Back – Believing!
- 23 years old from Newtownards, County Down, trains in Dublin at the National Gymastics Centre
- Rhys is a history maker, continually breaking down barrier and setting new standards, becoming Ireland’s first gymnast to win medals at European and World level and to reach an Olympic final. He hopes to create a legacy for his sport, encouraging young gymnasts to aspire to new heights and bring new fans to the sport.
- Has bounced back from challenging times including shoulder surgery and the disappointed of falling off the pommel horse at major championships.
- Invests in preparing mind as much as body and mediates daily
- Social media savvy and YouTube content creator
Achievements
- 2022: World Champion in the Pommel Horse. Commonwealth Silver Medallist.
- 2021: Competed in his first Olympic Games in Tokyo finishing seventh in the final.
- 2019: Wins bronze in the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, securing his Olympic qualification spot. Won gold at the World Cup in Slovenia in a new personal best score. Named RTE’s Young Sportsperson of the Year.
- 2018: Becomes European Champion and Commonwealth champion. Named RTE’s Young Sportsperson of the Year.
- 2016: Won the first European Championships medal in history for Ireland, taking silver on the pommel horse at the Junior European Gymnastics Championship.