Rhys McClenaghan: 'Rhys 2.0' is a work in progress heading to Glasgow

Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan is braced for a busy summer with the Commonwealth Games and European Championships on the horizon. After spending 2025 watching pommel horse events from home following shoulder surgery, he is now back fully fit and ready to show off a new routine in Glasgow that he aims to perfect by the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Entering a new phase of his career dubbed "Rhys 2.0", the Newtownards native relishes the chance to compete again but draws on all his previous experiences. "The Commonwealth Games is a good chance to show your work in progress. At the Olympic Games you want to see your finished product," he told BBC Sport NI. "It's going to be a work in progress but hopefully one that is the best in the world too."

After his enforced spell on the sidelines, which brought a lot of time for reflection, McClenaghan feels grateful to be back competing fit and healthy. "A lot of people thought I would take a step away after the Olympics, but I really wanted to get back into competing straight away, win a fourth European title and my third World title in a row," he explained. The shoulder injury prevented that but allowed him to process his career and the success of the Paris Olympics.

Having become the first gymnast to complete a career Grand Slam, McClenaghan has a relentless desire to keep going. "I've achieved every major title, and I feel if I stopped after winning the Olympic Games, my potential would have been wasted. I'm still healthy and able to be the best in the world at what I do," he said.