Olympic gold medal gymnast Rhys McClenaghan has expressed his ambition to significantly elevate the profile of his sport, following his prestigious investiture as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) at Windsor Castle. The ceremony, held on Wednesday, recognised McClenaghan's exceptional services to gymnastics, particularly his historic achievements on the international stage.
A Historic Achievement and Royal Recognition
McClenaghan, aged 26 and hailing from Newtownards in County Down, made history by securing Ireland's first-ever Olympic gold medal in gymnastics at the Paris 2024 Games, triumphing in the pommel horse category. This groundbreaking victory paved the way for his MBE honour, which he described as a "huge honour" and a meaningful recognition beyond his athletic accomplishments.
"It feels like recognition on top of the achievements I've got within my sport," McClenaghan remarked, emphasising the significance of the accolade. He received the honour from the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, who engaged him in conversation about his recovery from a recent injury and his future plans in the sport.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Central to McClenaghan's mission is his long-standing goal to boost the visibility and popularity of gymnastics across both Northern Ireland and Ireland. "It has always been a goal of mine, to raise the profile of my sport in Northern Ireland and Ireland," he affirmed, highlighting his commitment to fostering greater participation and interest.
He extended encouragement to aspiring athletes, urging everyone to experience gymnastics at least once and advising current gymnasts to maintain high ambitions and enjoyment in their pursuits. "Everybody should at least try gymnastics once in their life, and for those gymnasts that are already in the sport to keep enjoying it, keep your ambitions high," he advised.
Overcoming Adversity and Looking Ahead
McClenaghan's journey has not been without challenges; he underwent shoulder surgery in July and is poised to make a competitive return next month. Expressing enthusiasm for his comeback, he stated, "I'm excited to test out new routines, new skills and hopefully get to that LA Olympic Games is the next target." This determination underscores his resilience and forward-looking approach as he aims for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The investiture at Windsor Castle not only celebrates McClenaghan's past successes but also symbolises a renewed impetus for gymnastics development in the region. His advocacy and royal recognition are expected to inspire increased engagement and support for the sport, potentially transforming its landscape in Ireland and beyond.
