Olympic Gymnast Rhys McClenaghan Receives Hometown's Top Honor

A young girl named Maisie stood in a crowd of hundreds in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, watching her hero receive the town's highest honor. The 11-year-old knows exactly what she wants: to be just like Rhys McClenaghan and win an Olympic medal.

McClenaghan, who made history winning Ireland's first gymnastics gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, received the Freedom of the Borough from Ards and North Down Borough Council on Friday. The council said it was proud to bestow its highest civic honor on the European, Commonwealth, World, and Olympic champion.

The 25-year-old gymnast from Newtownards called it a "huge honour" and thanked the council for supporting him since he was a young athlete starting out. A special public celebration was held Sunday where community members gathered to meet McClenaghan and watch gymnastics demonstrations.

"It means a huge amount for everybody in the town to come together, celebrate gymnastics, the sport that I love so much, and celebrate achievements from just a young kid from Newtownards that had big dreams," McClenaghan said. He hopes his journey shows the younger generation they can follow their dreams too.

A new mural of McClenaghan was recently unveiled in his hometown. When he was working toward Olympic gold, he said he didn't think about what would come after, so the lasting legacy surprises him.

"I just hope that it inspires people," McClenaghan said. "When people look up and see my face on the side of a wall, they just know that guy who grew up in Newtownards can do it, then I can too."

The Ripple Effect

Young Maisie wasn't the only one inspired by the hometown celebration. She told reporters she wants to do all the cool tumbles McClenaghan performs and win an Olympic medal herself.

McClenaghan's coach, Luke Carson, attended the celebration and said getting the local community involved helps people understand more about gymnastics. He called it a phenomenal sport with so many teachings.

The decision to honor McClenaghan was confirmed at a council meeting in September 2024 following a cross-party motion. McClenaghan was also made an MBE in December for his achievements.

The celebration shows how one person's dedication can lift an entire community and plant seeds of possibility in young hearts.