Ireland’s Rhys McClenaghan cut short his gold medal celebration to condemn BBC’s commentary during the Gymnastics European Championships in Rimini, Italy. At 24, McClenaghan is Ireland’s most decorated gymnast of all time boasting three World Gymnastics Championship medals including two gold. And on Friday night, the pommel horse specialist won his third European title in the routine. However, otherwise known to have a positive attitude, he took exception to BBC’s reflection, particularly on his early career.

McClenaghan is now an Irish favorite for a medal at the Summer Games in July, but before the Paris trip, he resorted to social media to slam the broadcasting channel following his victory. The matter escalated when fans chimed in to express their strong support for the defending gymnastics champion. So, what drove the internet to agree with him?

Rhys McClenaghan mirrors back criticism

McClenaghan has evolved with each of his three competitive performances this season to make his second Olympics visit. But looks like during the 2024 European Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships BBC commentators portrayed his attitude in a not-so-acceptable manner. Taking it to X, he wrote, “Really wish the BBC commentators would stop repeatedly sharing their distaste for me in my early career live on TV. That “brash confidence” you disapprove of is what got me to where I am.”

“I’m surely not the only one who hits mute watching gymnastics on BBC,” he continued in his next message. The Commonwealth Games gold medalist retained his European title which he won 12 months ago in Antalya. In the pommel horse routine, he scored 15.300, followed by Dutch gymnast Loran De Munck with a score of 14.933. Whereas, three of his competitors fell during their routines, similar to when he competed in the Tokyo Games three years ago and experienced a slip in the final.

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Given Rhys McClenaghan’s age, it appears like there are still plenty of medals to come, including the gymnastics ‘grand slam’ Olympics medal. The contest for Olympic gold on the pommel horse in three months promises to be one of the Paris Games’ highlights where he will face Team GB’s Max Whitlock. Meanwhile, fans from across the world are rallying behind him to oppose BCC’s unethical behavior.

Internet adds to the gymnast’s argument

Rhys McClenaghan has emerged as the newest athlete advocate, highlighting the need for professionalism in media incidents. Choosing the right platform is equally important and what better than X(Twitter) where raising a voice is more prevalent now?

In tandem with Rhys’s words, one commenter said, “The BBC gymnastics commentators are rubbish. The first person who needs to believe you can win is yourself, and you ve shown that that can lead to great things. Just wait til they’re claiming you as one of their own when you win an Olympic medal”

Given that the Paris Olympics are approaching, the second one advised him to focus on the good and wrote, “Would not lose much sleep over it – you are winning and that’s what matters.”

A more knowledgeable section in the comments advised against BBC commentators’ presence saying, “They re ridiculous, I have always preferred RTE commentators for gymnastics. Well done Rhys, you are a star and an inspiration for all Irish gymnasts.”

“If you represented Britain they would be calling it”precocious talent”,” another one added.

More dislike fell into BBC’s corner as someone explained the situation, “Well it’s the BBC for starters. I get they’re “doing their job” but there’s something to be said about tact and professionalism which some of them don’t seem to exhibit. Ignore them and keep your chin up. You’ve gotten where you because of your hard work and determination.”

Despite the setback, McClenaghan finished the pommel horse day with zero penalties and checked all the boxes of a strong candidate to square off at the upcoming Paris Olympics.