Rhys McClenaghan said that qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic was what gave him most joy after retaining his pommel horse title at the World Gymnastics Championships
McClenaghan (24) from Newtownards became Ireland’s first gymnastics world champion when he won pommel horse gold in 2022.
In Antwerp on Saturday, he retained his title with a score of 15.100. His great rival, Britain's Max Whitlock, finished in fifth after coming off the apparatus during his routine and registering a score of 14.300.
McClenaghan said: “It feels shocking hearing it, similar to the first time I got the world title.
“I think that’s what I am maybe most happy about, qualifying for the Olympics (Paris 2024) for a second time.
“It’s incredible and a weight off my shoulders.”
AND STILL!!! 2x World Champion on Pommel Horse. Also qualified to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games ☘️ Thank you to all who helped me on the lead up to this competition, it was needed. pic.twitter.com/qrIM5CiuPm
— Rhys Mcclenaghan (@McClenaghanRhys) October 7, 2023
Meanwhile, Whitlock has vowed vowed to learn lessons following his disastrous routine.
Whitlock, the Olympic pommel horse champion having retained the title he won at Rio 2016 at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021, came off the apparatus during his performance in Antwerp but completed his routine.
“It’s really hard, I’m gutted,” Whitlock said.
“I felt really ready but it wasn’t to be as I made mistakes. I’ll learn a lot from this one.
“The targets I set myself are the things motivate me, whether that’s short-term, medium-term or long-term, and to reach as high as I possibly can.”
