SERC to be represented at Commonwealth games by gymnast Rhys McClenaghan

The Commonwealth Games are due to take place from April 4-15 in Australia's Gold Coast and SERC will be represented by sports student Rhys McClenaghan in the gymnastics event. Northern Ireland have 88-strong athletes from across 13 sports travelling to the competition.

Rhys is one of only two gymnasts included in the Northern Ireland squad along with coach Luke Carson from Rathgael Gymnastics Club in Bangor.

This is the first time Rhys has participated in the Games and he is looking forward to achieving a lifetime ambition.

Rhys enjoyed a triumphant year in 2017, winning gold at the World Cup in Croatia where he was the youngest competitor. He also won a gold medal at the British master’s at Liverpool's Echo Arena, dominating the Pommel competition competing in front of 15,000 triumphing over numerous more experienced competitors.

Rhys began training in gymnastics at the young age of six and has developed this passion ever since, inspired by his dad and aunt. After his GCSEs, Rhys joined SERC to study a Level 3 Diploma in Sport. Rhys commented “the best thing about SERC is the flexibility around my training and competition programmes. There is a lot of support from my tutors who make sure I don’t fall behind”.

When he isn’t in college, Rhys spends an impressive twenty-seven hours a week training.

The gymnastics star told how when competing it doesn’t matter how many people are there, as when competing, he is in the zone. Once the routine is finished the excitement and adrenaline rushes in and he can enjoy the atmosphere.

SERC Sports Lecturer Carl Bailie said “Rhys is a very hard-working student and I am delighted he has been selected to present Northern Ireland at the Games. He has found a great balance between his academic and sporting efforts and is benefiting from the flexibility and support offered by his course team."

Collette Carson, Head of School for Sport at SERC had this to say; “I'd like to congratulate Rhys on qualifying for the Games and wish him every success. Rhys' determination and resilience are reflected in his studies as he strives to complete an extended diploma whilst also training and competing as an elite athlete.”