2022 Commonwealth Games - 3 Gymnasts 3 Finals!

29th July 2022, 21:01p.m. | International

29.07.22 Birmingham, United Kingdom; Rhys McClenaghan, Ewan McAteer, and Eamon Montgomery have made history for Northern Ireland with all three gymnasts qualifying for the apparatus finals of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The trio showcased what they are capable of with their impressive performances in Friday’s qualifications. Scores of 14.350 for Rhys on Pommel, 13.950 for Ewan on Vault, and 13.750 for Eamon on Floor means all three lads have qualified for Monday and Tuesday’s apparatus finals.

Rhys and Eamon will be in Pommel and Floor finals on Monday 1^st August while Ewan will compete in the Vault final the following day on Tuesday 2^nd August. Apparatus finals start at 1pm on both days with specific start times TBC.

Speaking after his routine, Rhys McClenaghan had this to say: “I’m happy enough with the performance but I know that I can improve a lot and that’s exciting to me. I’m looking forward to Monday’s finals. Having the crowd there makes the finish of a routine that little bit more exciting with the crowd erupting around you. It is still a little bit of a fresh new routine that I’m putting out there so I’m glad that I’m still able to get from start to finish on this routine. That’s exactly what you want to see, that consistency!”

Eamon Montgomery reflected Rhys’ performance analysis citing room for improvement despite his excellent routine on Floor: “I think I was the first competitor of the whole rotation today which was pretty nerve racking but I’m excited more than anything. I think it was a good routine but I definitely have done better. It’s a new routine with a new skill that I put out there today so overall I’m happy.”

Ewan McAteer discussed his performance and is now looking ahead to his Vault final on Tuesday: “My job was to go out there today and put down a score that could make a final and that’s what I did. Both vaults were a little bit shaky and I think I can do both more cleanly. I know what I’m capable of and having the opportunity of doing that in a final is something that I’m very happy about.”

Speaking about today’s results, Gymnastics Ireland Performance and Technical Manager Sally Johnson said: “Great job from all three talented and hardworking gymnasts in qualifications! Well done to you all and a special well done to Luke and Conor for all their hard work and preparations. Looking forward to the finals!"

Speaking from Birmingham, Gymnastics Ireland’s Men’s National Performance Coach, Luke Carson was full of praise for the team and is now looking ahead to finals: “Our goal today was just to make the three finals. The boys did it in style. They’ve all made their finals and now we rest and recover ready for apparatus finals next week.”

Conor McGovern, personal coach of Eamon and Ewan had the following to say about the performances from qualification: “Delighted with the boys today, everyone went out there and did their jobs. It's great to see the boys go out and step up. They are set to make this the most successful Commonwealth Games yet. They all work tremendously well as a team and push each other, it's great to see. Now it's about keeping focused and getting ready for finals.”

Gymnastics Ireland CEO Mr. Ciaran Gallagher added: “Rhys, Ewan & Eamon, supported by coaches Luke & Conor, did their job today putting on a superb performance in qualifying for finals at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. It has been a difficult journey for the 3 lads to the Games and a huge relief for us all to see them rightfully step out onto the Field of Play today representing Northern Ireland. Again, I would like to thank our partners with whom we worked behind the scenes over the past number of months to ensure the guys could compete in line with the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. Particular thanks to our world governing body FIG, the Commonwealth Games Federation, Commonwealth Games NI, Sport NI, NI department of Communities and Minister Deirdre Hargey, Sport Ireland, Olympic Federation of Ireland and British Gymnastics. Roll on finals…”

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