Rhys McClenaghan 'trying to improve on that score' in pursuit of fourth European Championships gold
Rhys McClenaghan is “looking forward to trying to improve on that score even more” as the Newtownards native targets his fourth European Championships gold medal in Friday’s final.
The 27-year-old secured safe passage to his fifth career European final, comfortably finishing inside the top-eight during qualification in Zagreb – McClenaghan progressed in fifth position after a sublime routine scored 14.400 on Wednesday.
Italy’s Gabriele Targhetta (15.200) – a 20-year-old who won bronze in Leipzig 12 months ago – qualified top of the pile while reigning European champion Hamlet Manukyan (14.733) of Armenia will also provide tough competition.
McClenaghan, who is the reigning Olympic pommel horse champion after securing golden glory at Paris 2024, won the Europeans in 2018, 2023 and 2024 before being ruled out of last year’s competition due to injury.
He's aiming to further add to his impressive medal collection which also includes a Commonwealth Games gold and two World Championships crowns.
McClenaghan claimed European success with a score of 15.300 in Rimini in 2024 and has his sights set on improving on his qualification effort when the final gets underway at 5pm on Friday.
"My fifth European final secured,” posted McClenaghan on Instagram. “Looking forward to trying to improve on that score even more on Friday.”
McClenaghan returned to competitive action at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow earlier this summer – he finished sixth after a routine that “didn’t go to plan”.
After an enforced absence due to injury, McClenaghan admits he has a greater appreciation for being back competing at the top level.
"I feel like when you go through a whole year of being injured, you're so much more grateful for days like today where you walk out and your mind isn't on your injury or your aches or pains, you can really just enjoy it for what it is,” he added. "I labelled Commonwealth Games as a stepping stone...I'm treating this as the same.
"It doesn't mean that I'm giving any less respect...I'm still going for my best performance but I have to realise that this is my current best and then I'm wanting to build on that even more.
"I know that that takes time...it's a bit of a process so I look forward to continuing that progress.”
Belfast’s Eamon Montgomery will also be in final action on Friday after finishing sixth in qualifying for the floor event.