A RHYS OF CAKE
Irish star Mcclenaghan pips Whitlock to gold
IRELAND’S Rhys Mcclenaghan is planning to conquer the world next after grabbing European gold in Glasgow yesterday.
The 19-year-old from Newtownards was a class apart as he upped his leading qualification score to win with 15.3 on the pommel horse.
The gold medal was Ireland’s first of any colour in European gymnastics history.
“It’s incredible to be crowned European champion,” said Mcclenaghan. “It’s been a dream to be in that final with so many great names whom I’ve looked up to since I started in gymnastics.
“The worlds is the next big goal. I said after the Commonwealth Games that my target is to get that world title, and I meant it.
“I will go to Doha with every intention of winning that gold medal.”
The double Olympic champion Max Whitlock (inset) had hoped to rebound from being beaten by Mcclenaghan at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, but instead found himself having to effectively re-start his routine after an uncharacteristic error. The 23-year-old said: “It’s just one of those days again and hopefully there won’t be many more of them.
“I know people will look at it like I went to the Commonwealths and didn’t get what I want, and I made a mistake here, but the second half of my routine was one of the cleanest I’ve ever completed, and with a new skill.
“I won’t obsess about this. I’m in it for the long journey.
“I will use this one as motivation.”