Rhys McClenaghan brought everyone with him on the golden road to Paris

Silver medalist Nariman Kurbanov, Gold medalist Rhys McClenaghan, and bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik after the men's pommel horse final. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Phone pings with notifications. Confirmation that Daniel Wiffen is the top seed for the 1500m final. Rhys McClenaghan new Vlog uploaded. WhatsA… wait, a new Vlog from Rhys McClenaghan?

Six hours before he walked out in the Bercy Arena for the Olympics pommel horse final and produced an awesome 15.533 score, the notification flashed up. McClenaghan has released his latest YouTube video. He filmed the final clip in his room on Friday night. It was a full outline of his emotional wellbeing. One bed, a bare chest, his intense stare made up the frame. Pared back and raw.

Consider that for a moment. Several Irish athletes step away from social media entirely before the Olympics, entrusting it to a handler for the duration of the games. Others do whatever they can to take their mind off the competition. American bronze medallist Stephen Nedoroscik told the press conference he has taken to solving rubik's cube to keep him occupied.

McClenaghan is different. We know this because he exposes it, weekly on his own channel. Given that his qualifier took place seven days ago with no media duties in between, it means the only insight into his mental state is through that lens. What an insight it is, too.

“I am just sitting on my bed editing this video,” explained. “I am only realising I haven’t really gathered too much footage. I guess my mind has been on other things. It is currently the night before my Olympic Games final. I guess this section can just be an honest piece to camera for you guys.

“I feel like I have already accomplished what I set out to do. I enjoyed every second of this Olympic Games experience, I will hopefully enjoy every second of this final tomorrow. It really was the contrast I needed to see in comparison to the Tokyo Games.” 

Three years ago in Tokyo, McClenaghan fell off the pommel and finished seventh. The road from there to here has been documented thoroughly. In one sense, it should be expected that the 25-year-old is at the forefront of a new digital wave. He is one of several Irish athletes charting their story online. The social media age has expanded and overrun all kinds of traditional borders in the process.

Some of that self-generated content is good, plenty isn’t. This week McClenaghan brought the camera around the Olympic village and through the security checks. He spoke openly about the absence of the anxious energy that haunted him in Tokyo. Last time he didn’t take advantage of the merchandise shop to stock up on gifts for friends and family. He didn’t savour the glow around the star.

Come along to the podium on training day. His first visit to the arena, his use of competition equipment, his ability to transform his mindset to the point of mental pressure that stimulates qualification.

GEARING UP: Rhys McClenaghan before the men's pommel final. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

This sport is defined by such mental fortitude. As Kazakhstani Nariman Kurbanov took to the floor, McClenaghan sat with his head bowed. His feet scarcely touched the ground, dangling gently beneath him. His position for rival Max Whitlock’s subsequent performance was similar. He rose to stretch and turned his back to Loran de Munck. Then the Dutch man fell.

How would that affect him? There is another moment for his YouTube for this moment. During his practice round in Paris, McClenaghan zoomed his camera in on the pommel horse. Right up close. Blood stains spattered its veneer. He didn’t do it out of disgust. This was a testament to his code, a representation of the hard work required to make it to the top. Falling is a battle scar. Show them with pride.

Regardless of how Saturday went, the Newtownards man was heading home content. This isn’t hindsight stuff spewed to absolve the pain of a defeat. He told us this the night before.

“It was just a completely different experience. There are a lot of things going through my mind right now, but the one at the forefront of it is I am incredibly proud of myself and all of the work and dedication and sacrifice I have done to get here.

“That is why it is a celebration just to be in this Olympic Games final. I know I am ready, so let’s show up with a smile on my face and have the best time.” 

The goal. That is how he wanted to go out. How did it go? He stood on top of the podium and cradled the gold medal in both hands. As the final notes of Amhrán na bhFiann sang, McClenaghan looked straight across from him at a green mass celebrating and his lips began to twitch. Stadium staff appeared and passed a phone to Nedoroscik for the sponsored Victory Selfie. He held his hand aloft, turned the phone towards the trio and Rhys McClenaghan smiled. A dream come true.