Rhys McClenaghan: Road to 2026 After Injury & Olympic Gold

by liam.oconnor - Sports Editor

Los Angeles, December 30, 2025

McClenaghan Priorizes 2028 Olympics, Undergoes Surgery

Gymnast Rhys McClenaghan opted for surgery this year to ensure an uninterrupted training schedule leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

  • Rhys McClenaghan underwent surgery with a focused eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
  • The gymnast is willing to forgo the 2025 competition season to avoid risking a long-term injury.
  • Great Britain’s max Whitlock has come out of retirement and will be a competitor in the upcoming games.
  • McClenaghan aims to peak at the right moment, delivering his best performance at the Olympics.

Rhys McClenaghan is strategically planning his path to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, making the arduous decision to undergo surgery this year. The move is designed to provide a clear two-year build-up to the games, prioritizing long-term success over immediate competition. “It was a thought that crossed my mind when I opted to get the surgery,” McClenaghan said.

Balancing Present and Future

The decision wasn’t taken lightly. mcclenaghan and his team determined that sacrificing the 2025 season was preferable to pushing through an injury that could jeopardize his chances in Los Angeles. “We’ve got the time now,” he explained. “We’d rather miss out on 2025 as opposed to push through an injury that will haunt me until 2028. You need to think big picture sometimes.”

Did you know? – Rhys McClenaghan won a bronze medal in the pommel horse at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Ireland’s first Olympic medal in gymnastics.

What is Rhys McClenaghan’s primary focus as he prepares for the 2028 Olympics? McClenaghan’s primary focus is to peak at the right time, delivering his most difficult and best routine at the Los angeles Olympics.

Competition and Return of a Rival

Looking ahead, McClenaghan is taking a competition-by-competition approach, emphasizing hard work and consistent assessment of his performance. He’s also anticipating a challenge from a familiar face: Great Britain’s Max Whitlock, a three-time gold medallist who has come out of retirement following the Paris Games.

Pro tip – Athletes often prioritize long-term goals over short-term gains,especially when preparing for major events like the Olympics.

McClenaghan understands Whitlock’s decision to return. “I don’t blame him because I spent a bit of time away from gymnastics with my injury and I missed it,” he said. “I don’t blame him for stepping away and being like ‘you know what,this is actually a pretty awesome job,I don’t want to stop this’. fair play to him and I look forward to seeing him in the next pommel final, hopefully.”

Unwavering Determination

Despite the looming competition, McClenaghan remains resolute in his pursuit of another Olympic gold medal. He’s focused on refining his routine, aiming to deliver a world-class performance when it matters most. “The ultimate goal, similar to the paris Olympics where it was my most difficult routine, is to peak at that right time, on the day when it matters,” he stated. “That’s certainly the goal for the LA Olymp

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