McClenaghan delighted to be back 'home'
The gymnastics superstar will train in his native Newtownards in preparation for the Olympic Games
Rhys McClenaghan says a new state-of-the-art training facility in his hometown will play a huge part in his bid for Olympic gold.
The Newtownards gymnast, who is the current World and European pommel horse champion, has his sights set on Paris 2024 to complete a stunning quadruple - having previously been crowned Commonwealth champion.
The new Origin gymnastics gym at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex is the brainchild of Rhys' coach Luke Carson, who has spent a decade of 'blood, sweat and tears' to get the space up and running.
For McClenaghan, it will allow him to training in a high performance environment closer to home more often - something the 23-year-old says is vital for his Olympic preparation
"It's amazing to be back home in Newtownards. To see all of Luke's hard work finally pay off with this state-of-the-art facility, I'm very proud to be Luke's gymnast and Luke's friend," Rhys says.
"It's very cool for people to be able to peer through the window and see someone preparing for the Olympic Games. I know that's something that would have inspired me when I was younger.
Having missed out on retaining his Commonwealth gold in Birmingham last year, McClenaghan bounced back to win both World and European titles.
Now he wants the ultimate prize.
"Last year could have broken my career or made my career. It made my career with a fairytale ending in winning the World Championships," he adds.
"It starts now. Now is when I think about winning an Olympic gold medal. It's what inspire me and motivates me to come in and put maximum effort in the gym every single day