Rhys McClenaghan has completed gymnastics’ ‘Grand Slam’ after winning pommel horse gold at the Paris Olympics with a stunning routine.
The fourth to perform his routine, the Team Ireland gymnast was flawless as his score of 15.533 edged Kazakhstan’s Nariman Kurbanov by just 0.100.
The USA’s Stephen Nedoroscik was third with 15.200.
Team GB’s Max Whitlock, who went second, scored a 15.200, just 0.333 down on McClenaghan and had to settle for fourth place.
After a flawless run, McClenaghan’s coach Luke Carson had his head on his hands just before the dismount.
When the Newtownards gymnast landed it, both let out a huge roar and there was an emotional embrace between the pair.
There was a nervous wait as the remaining four gymnasts took to the pommel horse, with Nedoroscik going closest while backed by the vocal USA support who had just witnessed Simone Biles win gold in the women’s vault final.
McClenaghan becomes the fourth athlete from Northern Ireland to win a gold medal at these Olympics.
The 25-year-old joins swimmer Daniel Wiffen and GB’s Hannah Scott in converting their world titles into Olympic gold.
Jack McMillan also won a gold medal after helping Team GB to first place in the 4x200m freestyle.