Rhys McClenaghan looks forward and says Commonwealth Games are a ‘training day’

Rhys McClenaghan, the Olympic gymnastics champion, described the Commonwealth Games as a “training day” after finishing sixth in the men’s pommel horse final at the Glasgow International Centre. The 27-year-old from Northern Ireland scored 13.0 points, significantly lower than gold medallist Jordan Carroll of Canada, who secured 15.0 points. Two Scottish gymnasts, Reuben Ward and Cameron Lynn, claimed silver and bronze, respectively. McClenaghan attributed his failure to secure a third medal to a minor error during a new mount at the beginning of his routine. McClenaghan, a double world champion and gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, downplayed the outcome, emphasizing that the competition served as preparation for future events. “This is a training day for me, so we go back to the gym as soon as I can, and we tackle it just like we tackle any training day,” he stated. His remarks reflect his mindset as an athlete focused on progression rather than immediate success. Despite the setback, McClenaghan expressed confidence in his ability to perform under pressure, noting that even a victory here would be viewed as a step toward greater goals. The competition saw a variety of performances, with each gymnast adjusting their routines based on the quality of others. McClenaghan was among the last competitors, having finished second last of eight gymnasts. He began strongly with a superb mount but faced challenges midway through his routine. A critical error involving leg separation led to a subpar dismount, resulting in a score of 13.0. This marked a notable decline from his previous performances, particularly compared to the exceptional scores of his rivals. Jordan Carroll of Canada delivered a standout performance, scoring 15.0 points with a combination of high difficulty and flawless execution. His score of 15.0 included a 9.0 for execution and a 6.0 for difficulty, showcasing his mastery of the pommel horse. Following Carroll, Reuben Ward of Scotland, who had already earned gold in the all-around category, nearly repeated his success with a personal best score of 14.996. Cameron Lynn of Scotland added to his collection of medals by securing bronze with a score of 13.833, marking his fourth Commonwealth Games podium appearance. Other competitors also contributed to the competitive atmosphere. Cyprus’ Marios Georgiou scored 13.100, while Australia’s Ritam Mallik concluded the competition with a solid routine earning 13.33 points. McClenaghan, a three-time World and European Championship winner, attempted to match the intensity of these performances but fell short of the high difficulty required to challenge for top honors. His efforts were further complicated by the fact that this was his first major international appearance since undergoing shoulder surgery two years ago. McClenaghan’s appeal of his score was unsuccessful, leaving him in sixth place. However, the experience of competing in front of a lively crowd, especially with the two Scottish gymnasts celebrating on the podium, is likely to serve as motivation for his upcoming European Championships in Zagreb. As he prepares for the next phase of his career, McClenaghan remains committed to his training regimen, viewing each competition as a valuable opportunity to refine his skills and prepare for larger stages.