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Irish Teen Wins Stunning Gold At European Gymnastics Championships

Irish Teen Wins Stunning Gold At European Gymnastics Championships
PJ Browne
By PJ Browne
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Rhys McClenaghan from Newtownards won gold for Ireland in the Pommel Horse at the European Gymnastics Championship in Glasgow.

It was Ireland's first ever medal at this level.

The 19-year-old set a new personal best - 15.266 - when qualifying for the final on Thursday. On Sunday afternoon, he went even better, scoring 15.3.

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McClenaghan, who won gold in the same event at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year, claimed the medal in style. He finished 0.434 ahead of a field which included double Olympic gold medallist Max Whitlock.

rhys mcclenaghan pommel horse gold ireland european championships

The teenager had trained in Bangor until recently but due to issues with his previous gym - they made his coach redundant - he has moved his base to the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown.

It is Ireland's fourth medal of the inaugural multi-sport European Championships. Previously, Gary and Paul O'Donovan took silver in rowing, Thomas Barr won bronze in the 400m hurdles and Shane Ryan took bronze in the 50m backstroke.

You can watch Rhys's routine below.

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See Also: Olympic Gymnastics Medal Hope Happy To Get Out Of 'Toxic' Environment

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