Rhys McClenaghan 'proud to be constantly progressing every day' as injury comeback falls just short of World Cup final place
Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan has failed to secure a place in the pommel horse final at the Apparatus World Cup in Azerbaijan on his return to competition from injury.
The Newtownards man finished 10th in Friday’s qualifying round, with only the top eight advancing to the final.
His score of 13.466 was not enough to progress, leaving him as the second reserve for Sunday’s final in Baku.
It was the 26-year-old’s first appearance since claiming gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this year.
Despite missing out on the final, McClenaghan remained positive about his return.
He told BBC Sport NI: "Proud to be back representing Ireland. Proud of myself for accepting the challenge of competing at the highest level of sport again. Proud to be constantly progressing every day. This is the beginning of producing the best Pommel routine in the world.”
McClenaghan will take part in three further World Cup events as he prepares for a packed summer schedule featuring the Commonwealth Games, the European Championships and the World Championships.