‘Find a dream that you love, chase it and enjoy that journey’
By Sarah Curran
HOMECOMING celebration plans are underway to welcome the prince of the pommel back to his hometown.
Ards and North Down will light up for the return of their own home grown Olympic Champion Rhys McClenaghan following his outstanding performance on the pommel horse at the Bercy Arena in Paris on Saturday.
The 25 year-old Newtownards man had local viewers watching in awe as he flawlessly performed in the final at the Paris Games, representing Team Ireland in the artistic gymnastics showcase.
With an accolade of titles under his belt already, including two World titles, three European titles and a Commonwealth Games gold medal, it came as no surprise that Rhys was pinned as a favourite to take the gold.
And with a final score of 15.533 following an extraordinary routine filled with difficulty, it was clear Rhys would be adding Olympic Champion to his list of titles and take gold home to Northern Ireland, making what was once a childhood dream, a reality.
Rhys held his gold medal to his forehead, filled with emotion, as he stood on the podium beside silver medallist Nariman Kurbanov of Kazakhstan who had a score of 15.433 and bronze medallist Stephen Nedoroscik of Team USA who had a score of 15.300.
While residents of the borough are keen to celebrate the glittering success with Rhys, Ards and North Down Council confirmed that homecoming plans are underway.
A spokesperson said: “We could not be more delighted for Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan. He put in an amazing performance, and an extremely well-deserved win in Paris.
“We have loved seeing Rhys work towards this achievement with coach Luke Carson at Origin Gymnastics Gym in Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex – the magic came together in the heart of Newtownards and we know people across the borough feel extremely proud at this time and want an opportunity to celebrate with Rhys in the coming weeks.
“Planning for a homecoming event has started, however we need some time to confirm the details with Rhys and Luke. Please bear with us in the meantime – we will share information as soon as we have it.”
Speaking after his win to RTE, Rhys said winning felt like a dream.
“But it’s a dream well-earned and I just can’t believe it happened on this day.
“I always felt like it was going to happen but I wasn’t sure when.
“Listen, everyone at home: see this as an example of, find a dream that you love, chase it and enjoy that journey, because I can tell you, if I fell on my bum today, I still would have loved this journey, every second of it.
“But I didn’t, and today I’m walking away with a gold medal.
“I knew that this would be the toughest pommel horse final of all time, and it was. So to come out on top is incredible.
“If this even just inspires someone to walk through the doors of a gymnastics club then I’ll be happy.”
