McClenaghan, from Newtownards in Co Down, becomes a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) after he created history by winning Ireland’s first gold medal in gymnastics, in the pommel horse category, at the Paris Olympics in 2024. The 26-year-old said it was a “huge honour” to receive the gong, adding: “It feels like recognition on top of the achievements I’ve got within my sport. McClenaghan had shoulder surgery in July and is set to return to competitions next month. “I’m excited to test out new routines, new skills and hopefully get to that LA Olympic Games is the next target,” he said. The 26-year-old urged gymnasts to keep their ambitions high, saying: “Everybody should at least try gymnastics once in their life, and for those gymnasts that are already in the sport to keep enjoying it, keep your ambitions high.”

Source: The Herald February 18, 2026 14:39 UTC