Silver for McClenaghan and 2 finalists at 2023 Paris World Cup

Sunday 17th September, Paris, France; Irish gymnasts Rhys McClenaghan has won silver on Pommel-Horse at the apparatus finals today in Paris with teammate Adam Steele finishing 5^th also on pommel and Halle Hilton finishing 7^th on floor and 8^th on vault at the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup.

Commenting about today Rhys McClenaghan said: "Happy to bring home another international medal for Ireland, also happy to put into practice my new routine, looking forward to cleaning up the routine for World Championships. This competition was a good warm up for World Championships in Belgium."

Teammate Adam Steele added: “Really pleased to have made the final, I wasn't expecting that at all, got to do some new skills in the final aswell which was really amazing, really good prep for World Championships coming up. Obviously I'll be going All-Around at World Championships instead of just pommel but this is a great stepping stone for future on. ”

About women’s final Halle Hilton said: “I thought I did quite well it was obviously really good to put my double twist out on vault and actually get the chance to put it out twice. Floor it was amazing to do another floor routine and get the fitness up ready for world’s in a few weeks, obviously it was a bit of a mistake on the first tumble but you know it’s learning curves and good to get the routine out in such a big crowd. It’s really good to see all other countries and see what they are up to. The atmosphere was crazy, there isn’t another competition that I’ve felt that way out there, they are behind every single gymnast, it’s amazing”

Coach Luke Carson said: “Today was a great day, Adam scored an international personal best and performed with great confidence. Rhys performed a suberb routine that was world class. Both boys did Ireland proud today live in front of 12,000 people.”

Commenting on today’s finals Gymnastics Ireland Performance and Technical Manager Sally Johnson said: “Great experience for all to compete in the Paris World Cup prior to the World Championships in Antwerp in a couple of weeks. Great to have gymnasts make the finals a compete some new routines. A Superb venue which will be the Paris 2024 Olympics venue, a great atmosphere and great production. Well done to all gymnasts and coaches!”

Gymnastics Ireland CEO Ciaran Gallagher added: “Great outing for all our guys in Paris this weekend and great preparation for the upcoming Worlds in Antwerp. Huge congrats to Rhys on the pommel silver - great to see him on the World Cup podium again following a break in the comp season over the summer. Great outing for Adam and Halle in todays finals also! Congrats to the full team, their coaches and our support staff!”

Next up on the international agenda are the 2023 World Championships which will take place in Antwerp from 30th September - 8th October. Further information on how to follow the competition will be published in the coming days.

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