After the heartbreak he experienced in Tokyo three years ago, Rhys McClenaghan completed the ultimate journey of redemption by claiming gold in the men's Olympic pommel horse final in Paris this afternoon.
McCleneghan entered today's final as many people's favourites to win gold. While he was facing a field that some viewed as the most talented in this year's Olympics, his recent track record at World Championship level suggested he may well have the edge.
The draw for the final was also kind to the Irishman, with it being suggested that his slot as fourth up in the event was ideal timing for a gymnast with that employed his mix of difficulty and execution.
Despite the heartbreak of four years ago, McClenaghan did not seem to have any nerves as he began his routine. He produced a magnificent performance, one that was more than worthy of the occasion
Paris 2024: Rhys McClenaghan completes his pommel horse routine and he looks to be happy with how he's done. The judges are too! He scores 15.533 and is in the gold medal position.#RTESport #Paris2024
📺 Watch https://t.co/XnOP6grnB7
📱Updates https://t.co/7oDcUYslbX pic.twitter.com/ndA3MfkNbp— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 3, 2024
His mark of 15.533 was a field leading score at the time, although there was still four more competitors to come after that point.
Thankfully, nobody was able to match the standard set by the Down man. He claimed the gold, winning Ireland's first ever Olympic gymnastics medal in the process.
Paris 2024: Gold for McClenaghan! Rhys McClenaghan has completed the gymnastics grand slam by winning gold in the Olympics pommel horse event, adding Olympic gold to his European and World medals.#Paris2024
📺 Watch https://t.co/XnOP6grnB7
📱Updates https://t.co/7oDcUYslbX pic.twitter.com/Fj1my3Db8j— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 3, 2024
READ HERE: Mona McSharry's Teammates Were Not Having Her Suggestion Of Stepping Away
Rhys McClenaghan Sends Message To People Of Ireland After Olympic Gold
This moment was three years in the making for Rhys McClenaghan, who missed out on a medal in heartbreaking circumstances in Tokyo in 2021. While he would slip from the pommel horse that day, he showed incredible mental strength to produce the performance of a lifetime in Paris.
He was visibly emotional after his routine moved him to the top of the leaderboard, a reaction that was sure to be a mix of relief and elation. Once the medal was placed around his neck, it was clear what this achievement meant to him.
Paris 2024: A lifetime dream realised. Rhys McClenaghan, having bounced back from the disappointment of Tokyo, is an Olympic gold medal champion in Paris.#RTESport #Paris2024
📺 Watch https://t.co/XnOP6grnB7
📱Updates https://t.co/7oDcUYslbX pic.twitter.com/2ZHJaxlwo5— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 3, 2024
Speaking to RTÉ soon after, Rhys McClenaghan summed up his emotions after achieving a lifelong dream. He also took the time to send a message to the people of Ireland.
Paris 2024: "It feels like a dream but it's a dream well earned." Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan is on cloud nine after claiming victory in the men's pommel horse event in Paris.#RTESport #Paris2024
📺 Watch https://t.co/XnOP6grnB7
📱Updates https://t.co/7oDcUYslbX pic.twitter.com/wTJTPRcfKZ— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 3, 2024
It feels like a dream, but it's a dream well earned. I just can't believe that it happened on this day.
I always felt like it was going to happen, but I wasn't sure when...
Listen, everybody at home, see this as an example to find a dream you love, chase it, and enjoy that journey.
I can tell that 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 an Olympic gold medal...
Just from doing my job as well. After the routine I was happy, I wasn't thinking about medals. When the score came up I was proud of that score because it's mine, I wasn't thinking about the podium at all.
I was just thinking 'I've done my job'. That's where the main emotions came from today...
I knew it can contest (for gold). Every time I do a clean routine it's contesting for that top spot, but I knew that this would also be the toughest pommel horse final of all-time and it was.
To come out on top is incredible...
If this even just inspires people to walk through the doors of a gymnastics club then I'll be happy. The amount of life experience that this sport has given me is next to none.
A national treasure.
The entire country will certainly be thrilled for Rhys McClenaghan, with his journey in recent years one that has captured the imagination of the public.
He can now finally call himself an Olympic champion.
SEE ALSO: Sonia O'Sullivan Thinks Olympic Semi-Final Marks "Reality Check" For Ireland's 400m Runners
