RTE Late Late Show viewers were left impressed by Irish world champion gymnast Rhys McClenaghan on the show tonight, as he opened up about his journey and called boxer Katie Taylor his sporting hero.
The Newtownands-native made history in Liverpool last month when he became Ireland's very first gymnastics world champion, and owed to go for Olympic gold at Paris 2024 - and named Katie Taylor as his sporting inspiration. McClenaghan claimed gold on the pommel horse at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool after a fantastic performance in the final.
McClenaghan told Ryan Tubridy that he now wants to go a step further in Paris and amend for his Tokyo Olympics performance. He said: "I want to go and win an Olympic gold medal for my country.
Read more: Aslan confirm rescheduled date for 40th anniversary tour
"When I speak about what I want to achieve that's what I'm waking up every day and saying to myself. Disappointments are part of sport; it's about saying to yourself what can I do to never have that disappointment again?"
And when asked about his own sporting idols, McClenaghan paid tribute to boxing star Katie Taylor. He said: "The greatest female boxer of all time, Katie Taylor. The greatest to have ever done her sport - to me that is absolutely incredible, and why can't I do that?"
Social media users took to Twitter to praise Rhys for his openness and determination to succeed his sport. One person wrote: "If there’s a more determined & focused athlete in Ireland than Rhys McClenaghan I’ve yet to hear of them."
A second said: "Wow Rhys is an inspiration to kids doing gymnastics in this country. Brilliant interview."
A third added: "Well done Rhys great achievement."
READ NEXT:
Vogue Williams on embarrassment over Boy George email before I'm A Celebrity appearance
Black Friday 2022: Biggest deals in Ireland with plenty of bargains up for grabs
Dunnes Stores set to open major new store in Dundrum Town Centre
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox
