Rhys McClenaghan completed gymnastics’ Grand Slam when he won Olympic gold in the pommel horse final after a stunning routine.
He is now, Olympic, world, European and Commonwealth champion.
McClenaghan has yet to compete since winning his Olympic gold exactly a year ago on 3 August 2024 and has been sidelined after recent shoulder surgery.
“It’s quite ironic how one year ago I was winning Olympic gold and recently I was waking up in a hospital bed,” the 24-year-old said.
“It’s been a crazy year. It’s been a year of figuring things out, mentally. The reality is I’ve accomplished a lifelong goal and childhood dream that has fuelled me all these years.
“In that one little moment it was done. There’s a still a lot of rejigging in my brain still.”
McClenaghan said winning Olympic gold “met every ounce of expectation” and “all the blood, sweat and tears were worth it for that little moment and that sensation”.
“You think about so many scenarios growing up, and the standout feeling for me was this – if there was no one in the stands spectating or nobody at home watching, and it was me in an empty room getting that medal around my neck it would have still meant just as much,” he continued.
“For me, that shows I had done the whole journey for the right reason.
“But then I opened my eyes and looked around and saw the young gymnasts in the stands and thought about those back home, and I realised it was much bigger than just me.
“That was an interesting realisation for me. Having those two feelings hand-in-hand was a moment I’ll never forget.”
