Rhys McClenaghan BEM
Ards and North Down Borough Council is proud to announce that it will confer its highest civic honour, the Freedom of the Borough, upon Rhys McClenaghan BEM - European, Commonwealth, World and Olympic Gold Medallist - in recognition of his outstanding achievements in sport and his exceptional contribution to the Borough.
The decision was confirmed at the full Council meeting on Wednesday 25 September 2024, following a cross-party Motion proposed by Alderman McIlveen and seconded by Councillor S Irvine.
Born and raised in Newtownards, Rhys has become a global sporting superstar while remaining deeply connected to his roots. His career highlights include:
- Olympic Gold Medal - Paris 2024
- World Champion - 2022 and 2023
- European Champion - 2018, 2023, 2024
- Commonwealth Gold Medal - 2018
Rhys is the only gymnast in history to hold European, Commonwealth, World and Olympic titles on a single apparatus, cementing his status as one of the sport's greatest pommel horse specialists.
The Council will confer its highest honour on Rhys McClenaghan BEM in a formal ceremony for invited guests on Friday 23 January 2026.
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