By Julie Waters
HOMEGROWN Olympic hero Rhys McClenaghan hopes his mural masterpiece will inspire young and older people alike across the borough to ‘chase their dreams’.
Local hearts burst with pride when the talented 26 year-old won gold in the men’s pommel horse final in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, becoming the world’s finest.
A lifetime of dedication is reflected in his joyous mural smile, with the South Street artwork due to be completed in time for Rhy’s latest honour – the Freedom of the Borough.
Ahead of a special conferral ceremony, when he receives the borough’s highest civic honour, Rhys will put the finishing touches to the mural when he marks it with his signature on Friday (January 23).
These are just the latest accolades for the Newtowanrds gymnast who was made Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours.
Bangor artist Johnny Hamilton, known as Jossiepops, brought the mural to life thanks to funding from the Newtownards business community.
Taking time out of his busy schedule to give the mural his seal of approval, Rhys explained its significance saying: “The portrait is taken from a photo taken at the Paris Olympics, so it is even more special as it was from the day, it was a special celebration.”
The gymnast is no stranger to success having already won three European titles, a Commonwealth crown and two World golds – he even won RTE’s Dancing with the Stars competition with professional partner Laura Nolan.
He hopes the mural will inspire local people to pursue their own goals saying: “Hopefully it will inspire people with a dream to chase it.”
The local man is also looking forward to receiving the borough’s highest civic honour, the Freedom of the Borough, in recognition of his exceptional talent and outstanding work as an ambassador of Ards and North Down.
He described the award as ‘another celebration’ of his continuing career, and he follows in the footsteps of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody who have also received the honour.
After undergoing surgery for a shoulder injury which ruled him out of competition, Rhys is now looking forward to competing in the World Cup series, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Said the champion: “My first competition is in March in Azerbaijan, I am looking forward to it, it is my first competition since Paris, and it will be good to get back out there.”
