Olympic champion McClenaghan claims gold at World Cup in Anatalya 

GOLDEN BOY: Ireland's Rhys McClenaghan celebrates winning gold in the Men's Pommel Horse Final during the Artistic Gymnastics at the Bercy Arena on the eighth day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France. Picture date: Saturday August 3, 2024.

Olympic champion Rhys McClenagan led and Irish medal charge at the Antalya World Cup, an Olympics qualifier event for LA 2028 Olympic Games. 

McClenaghan took to the pommel performing first in the final, after qualifying third on Thursday. He scored a 13.900 and held his first place position through the final to claim gold.

Teammate James Hickey, who qualified in 6th position, scored a 13.566 for a third place podium finish behind teammate McClenaghan.

Meanwhile Eamon Montgomery started the day on the floor exercise and performed a beautiful routine executed to precision. Montgomery, who qualified fifth, took home the silver medal scoring a 13.833.

"It’s been a really strong day for the Irish men’s team in Antalya. Eamon Montgomery’s silver medal on floor is a real statement result — finishing on the podium ahead of an Olympic silver medallist at this level the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup competition shows exactly the standard he is capable of delivering," Sally Johnson, Director of Performance & Technical at Gymnastics Ireland said.

"On pommel horse it was a fantastic result for Ireland, with Rhys McClenaghan taking gold and James Hickey securing bronze. Rhys continues to progress strongly through his return to competition — the routine is developing well and the momentum is clearly building again. For James, this being his third senior World Cup and reaching the podium is a fantastic achievement. It’s been a very positive day for the programme and a strong reflection of the progress being made across the team."