COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2022: Gold medallist McClenaghan ruled out
Commonwealth Games NI have hit out at an International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) ruling that will see Rhys McClenaghan unable to defend his 2018 gold medal in this year's games.
McClenaghan, who won gold on the pommel representing Northern Ireland on the Gold Coast four years ago, has been ruled out as it stands, along with fellow Team NI gymnasts Ewan McAteer, - who also competed for Northern Ireland at the 2018 Commonwealth Games - and Eamon Montgomery.
It comes after the FIG ruling in Dubrovnik earlier today, which said all three were ineligible to compete for Northern Ireland as they had competed for Ireland at FIG tournaments. Northern Ireland does not take part in such tournaments.
A statement from Commonwealth Games NI read: "Our immediate concern is the wellbeing of the three athletes and their coaches. Appropriate support is being offered while we collectively agree a course of action to challenge this ruling.
"All three athletes were born in Northern Ireland, and have parents born in Northern Ireland, but yet they have been told that they are ineligible to compete for Northern Ireland. This is apparently because they compete routinely for Ireland at FIG tournaments.
"Historically, TeamNI at all Commonwealth Games has included athletes across a range of sports who have chosen to represent either IRL or GBR at European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games. We even have athletes within the same sport who have chosen different international performance pathways. This has always been respected and adds to the inclusive nature of TeamNI at Commonwealth Games, the statement continued.
"The FIG appear to have completely disregarded the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the unique situation pertaining to Northern Ireland. They are out of step with all of our other member sports."
The statement added that they hoped to see the FIG reconsider their position to allow the trio to compete for Team NI at this year's Games in Birmingham.