​Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan is braced for a demanding year ahead as the Commonwealth Games and European Championships approach. He recognises his fortunate position after spending most of 2025 watching pommel horse events from home while recovering from shoulder surgery. Now fully fit, McClenaghan is determined to unveil a new routine in Glasgow and hopes to have it perfected by the time the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles arrive.
Entering what he calls a new phase of his career, “Rhys 2.0,” the Newtownards native is eager to push on, drawing on past experiences while forging a fresh path. “The Commonwealth Games are a solid chance to showcase your work in progress. At the Olympic Games you want to present your finished product,” he told BBC Sport NI. “It’s going to be a work in progress, but one that I hope will be the best in the world too. I’m in a really good position with it.”
Part of me longs to be like a younger Rhys, but the reality is I’m performing a completely new routine, and the rule changes have pushed me in that direction—that’s the Rhys 2.0. That adaptation is what separates the really good gymnasts from the great ones. If you can win titles across multiple Olympic cycles, you’ve mastered that event, and I feel I’m heading in that direction now.”
McClenaghan is one of four Team NI gymnasts heading to Glasgow. He first burst onto the scene at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, where, at 18, he claimed gold by defeating reigning Olympic champion Max Whitlock. He believes that triumph laid the groundwork for his entire career and is keen to replicate it after finishing second in Birmingham four years later. “Coming second in Birmingham, I was so close to retaining the title, and it would be wonderful to sandwich that silver with a gold on either side.”
The 26-year-old also sees strong potential in Team NI heading to the Games, confident they can return with a substantial medal haul across diverse sports. “I can see the ambition in these young athletes, and I love that,” he said. “I feel the tide has shifted; people are no longer hesitant about stating what they aim to achieve. Now they’re talking about winning medals, and I’m thrilled to witness it. It’s Northern Ireland saying we’re ready to take on the world, not merely participate. We’re aiming to break records at this Games.”
McClenaghan’s career reached a high point when he completed a career Grand Slam of Olympic, World, and European gold at the Paris Games in 2024. After the forced pause that allowed for much reflection, he expresses gratitude for being back in competition, fit and enjoying the sport he loves. “Many people predicted I’d step away from gymnastics after the Olympics, perhaps take a year off and do nothing. But I wanted to keep pushing, to stay involved, because the sport still matters to me.” He remains focused on maximizing his potential and embracing the opportunities ahead, with the aim of continuing to elevate his performances on the world stage.