Ards gymnast makes history

McClenaghan reaches world pommel horse final

Rhys McClenaghan
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 8th Oct 2019
Last updated 8th Oct 2019

Rhys McClenaghan has made history for Team Ireland.

The 20-year-old from Newtownards has become the first-ever local gymnast to reach a world final.

He will compete for Gold in the pommel horse final in Stuttgart on Saturday.

As a result he also qualifies automatically for next year's Olympic finals in Tokyo.

McClenaghan scored 15.200 in his preferred event on Sunday, but had to wait until Monday evening for the end of the eight qualifying rounds.

Having won European and Commonwealth Golds he is the favourite - just ahead of Briton Max Whitlock - for the title