‘Emotions through the roof’ as McClenaghan makes history

A deep breath before stepping onto the top step of the Olympic podium.

And with that, Rhys McClenaghan’s life-long dream was complete.

“It sounds amazing. It sounds like a dream come true,” McClenaghan said.

“It still feels like a dream. But it’s a lifetime of work culminating into one little moment, and this little moment is what you are seeing right now.”

In complete contrast to the noise that surrounded Simone Biles’ stunning gold in the women’s vault half an hour earlier, you could almost hear a pin drop as the gymnasts took to the pommel horse.

McClenaghan looked laser-focused as he waited to be called to his apparatus, knowing that he was the man to beat after qualifying in first position.

It had been billed as a McClenaghan v Max Whitlock final, but Kazakhstan’s Nariman Kurbanov laid down an early marker with a 15.433.

Then the Newtownards gymnast did not look up once as his Team GB rival – second in line – completed his routine.

But Whitlock could not score higher than Kurbanov. That wasn’t in the script as the two-time pommel horse gold medal winner made his Olympic farewell.

Then, in any gymnast’s biggest fear, Loran de Munck made a mistake right before McClenaghan’s run, something he witnessed unfold as he ran his routine through his mind.

Three years ago in Tokyo, it was McClenaghan who made a mistake when it mattered most as his medal chance slipped away.

In Paris on Saturday, those ghosts were well and truly banished.

McClenaghan produced a flawless routine. His coach, and friend, Luke Carson watched on and had his head in his hands just before McClenaghan dismounted.

He knew what was about to come if it was a clean landing – and it was.

The arena erupted and McClenaghan let out a huge roar before hugging Carson, his coach since he was 14.

He admits the biggest emotion was “relief” after completing “the most difficult routine I could do”.

“That’s where the tears and emotions came from, really.

“Relief is always the one when you land the dismount. I didn’t know that I had won as soon as I landed.”

The score of 15.533 rewarded his sensational routine.

It was still a nervous wait as the popular American, Stephen Nedoroscik, still had to perform at the Bercy Arena.

It was a strong attempt, but Nedoroscik could only slot into third place.

Then, when final gymnast Hur Woong fell off the pommel horse, the job was done – McClenaghan was champion.

“I was saying to Stephen that this is the best pommel horse final ever in the history of men’s gymnastics,” McClenaghan added.

“To be a part of that is absolutely incredible.

“Any of the eight finalists could have taken gold today.”

McClenaghan has now completed what is considered gymnastics’ Grand Slam – World, European, Commonwealth and Olympic golds.

“I started to look around the arena when I’d finished competing and when I was looking around that arena after my pommel routine, and I’d scored a personal best score, the emotions were through the roof.

“I was incredibly proud to do all of the Irish fans here proud today and create history for the country.”

Given the expectation and pressure he has had to deal with, McClenaghan could have easily crumbled.

But his resilience was on full display, and the emotions kept on coming as he stood on the top step of the podium to collect his gold medal.

He is the latest athlete from Northern Ireland to strike gold in a remarkable Olympics.

Prior to these Games, there had only been three in history – there have already been four in Paris.

He is also Ireland’s third gold medallist of the Games as he cements his place as one of the greats.

The hordes of supporters had stayed in the arena to share the historic moment with him as Zombie by the Cranberries rang out.

“I’m proud of myself for doing it under that pressure. I was the double world champion coming into this,” he added.

“It could be Ireland’s first ever gymnastics medal and I delivered under that pressure.

“Those are the emotions that you are seeing. I had done my job regardless of all the pressure on my shoulders.”