Rhys McClenaghan: ‘Emotions through the roof’ as Olympics gold medallist makes history in Paris

Then, in any gymnast’s largest worry, Loran de Munck made a mistake proper earlier than McClenaghan’s run, one thing he witnessed unfold as he ran his routine via his thoughts.

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

In Paris on Saturday, these ghosts had been nicely and actually banished.

McClenaghan produced a flawless routine. His coach, and pal, Luke Carson watched on and had his head in his arms simply earlier than McClenaghan dismounted.

He knew what was about to come back if it was a clear touchdown – and it was.

The world erupted and McClenaghan set free an enormous roar earlier than hugging Carson, his coach since he was 14.

He admits the most important emotion was “aid” after finishing “probably the most troublesome routine I might do”.

“That is the place the tears and feelings got here from, actually.

“Aid is at all times the one if you land the dismount. I did not know that I had gained as quickly as I landed.”

The rating of 15.533 rewarded his sensational routine.

It was nonetheless a nervous wait as the favored American, Stephen Nedoroscik, nonetheless needed to carry out on the Bercy Area.

It was a robust try, however Nedoroscik might solely slot into third place.

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

“I used to be saying to Stephen that that is one of the best pommel horse closing ever within the historical past of males’s gymnastics,” McClenaghan added.

“To be part of that’s completely unbelievable.

“Any of the eight finalists might have taken gold in the present day.”