Irish Olympian Rhys McClenaghan has been blocked from competing in the upcoming Commonwealth Games by the International Gymnast Federation.
McClenaghan represented Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics where he missed out on a medal in the final and is the current Commonwealth champion.
The games are set to take place in Birmingham later this year and McClenaghan confirmed the news that he would not be able to compete, and fellow Northern Ireland athletes Eamon Montgomery and Ewan McAteer will not be able to compete.
Taking to social media, the Olympic finalist said: "Earlier today I was informed that the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) will not be allowing myself and my team mates to compete at the Commonwealth Games for Northern Ireland.
"I was born in Northern Ireland, my residence is in Northern Ireland and I represented and won Gold for Northern Ireland in the last Commonwealth Games.
"I feel that FIG do not understand the gravity of the Belfast Agreement and the unique situation pertaining to Northern Ireland.
"Every other sport understand the eligibility of Northern Irish athletes in accordance with Commonwealth Games. I would like to ask the FIG to reconsider their decision and allow us to compete at the Commonwealth Games.
"Myself aside. For younger Northern Irish gymnasts to see this happening must be very discouraging. I hope this can change for their sake as well."
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