Rhys Mcclenaghan Trading Pommel Horse For Dance Floor In Dancing With The Stars Final
By Gráinne Connolly, BBC News NI
Published: June 14, 2024
Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast Rhys Mcclenaghan “Saw a challenge and accepted it” when he decided to swap the pommel horse for the Paso Doble by participating in Irish broadcaster RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars.
This Sunday,all of his hard work will come to end when Mcclenaghan and his partner Laura Nolan dance in the final of the competition. This journey from gymnastics to Dancing with the Stars has been an exciting one for the athlete.
Ahead of it,the 25-year-old from County Down has returned to his home gym where he was greeted by dozens of young,aspiring gymnasts.
He said it was “Always nice” to return to his hometown of Newtownards “And just to see the support from everybody, to see everyone who has watched the show, who has been voting every week”.
last Summer, Mcclenaghan won an Olympic gold on the pommel horse in Paris.
He said this latest challenge has been entirely different. Transitioning from gymnastics to Dancing with the Stars requires a different set of skills.
“It’s been long days, I think the biggest challenge for me is balancing the gymnastics training,” he told BBC News NI.
‘Not Very Sustainable’
He said he had been dancing for six or seven hours a day, before training for four or five hours in the Evening.
“It’s not very sustainable,” he explained.
“I’m glad the competition’s coming to an end but I’m also glad that I’ve had the Experience.”
Rhys said his many years of experience in gymnastics has served him well on the Show.
“My discipline and motivation that I’ve really learned from gymnastics has certainly crossed over to the dancing,” he said.
“It has pushed me through some tough days, it’s made me enjoy the performance of it all as well and simultaneously occurring some new challenges have hit me in the face as well.
“But that’s the reason I did the show, I saw a challenge and I accepted it.”
‘Amazing and Inspiring’
rhys was joined by his dancing partner Laura at his home gym in Newtownards and she described him as a “Dream student”.
“He really has, from start to finish, thrown himself into it and believed and trusted in Everything,” she said.
She said it was incredible the level the gymnast has reached.
“Not only the level of tricks and lifts, which we knew he could do but the level of dance he has created has just been amazing.
“I don’t think I’ll ever have another partner like him.
“He’s so incredible and inspiring.”
About Rhys Mcclenaghan
Rhys Mcclenaghan is an Olympic gold medalist gymnast from Northern Ireland. He has achieved significant success in gymnastics and is now exploring new challenges in Dancing with the Stars.
His dedication and work ethic have made him a role model for aspiring athletes. Rhys now hopes to add another title to his list of accomplishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Rhys Mcclenaghan join Dancing with the Stars?
He wanted a new challenge after achieving success in gymnastics. - How has gymnastics helped Rhys Mcclenaghan in Dancing with the Stars?
Gymnastics instilled discipline and body awareness, beneficial for dancing. - What is Rhys Mcclenaghan’s biggest challenge in Dancing with the Stars?
Balancing intense dancing with his ongoing gymnastics training. - Who is Rhys Mcclenaghan’s dance partner on Dancing with the Stars?
Laura Nolan is his partner, praising his dedication. - What does Laura Nolan say about Rhys Mcclenaghan’s Dancing with the Stars performance?
She finds him incredibly inspiring and a dream student.
How did Rhys McClenaghan’s gymnastics background specifically contribute to his success on “Dancing with the Stars,” beyond general skills like discipline and body awareness?
Rhys McClenaghan: A ‘Dancing with the Stars’ finalist Journey
This article delves into the captivating journey of Rhys McClenaghan on “Dancing with the Stars,” highlighting his path to the final. The gymnast’s transition to the dance floor was a compelling story of skill, determination, and audience engagement. We will explore the key moments,performances,and the impact of his participation on the show.
who is Rhys McClenaghan? A Gymnast’s New Arena
Rhys McClenaghan, a renowned gymnast representing Ireland, is celebrated for his achievements on the pommel horse. His success in the gymnastics world provided a solid foundation for his foray into the world of dance. Before “Dancing with the Stars”, McClenaghan was a figure known for his athletic prowess, discipline, and dedication, elements that proved invaluable in his new endeavor.
Gymnastics Background and Transition
McClenaghan’s background in gymnastics provided a unique advantage.Gymnastics requires exceptional discipline, body awareness, and the ability to work under pressure, skills that transferred seamlessly to the demands of ballroom and Latin dance. The transition from the pommel horse to the dance floor was a testament to his adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges.
- Rhys McClenaghan’s Wikipedia Page – This provides extensive data about his gymnastics career and achievements.
- Key skills adapted for Dancing with the Stars: body control and coordination, rhythm and timing, and performance experience.
Rhys’s Memorable Performances on ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Rhys McClenaghan’s participation in “Dancing with the Stars” was marked by a series of memorable performances that captured the audience’s attention. His evolution as a dancer was evident with each week, demonstrating growth and enhancement.
Notable Dances and Scores
Let’s examine some of his top-scoring dances throughout the competition. We will explore the choice of dance styles, the judges’ scores, and fan reactions.
| Dance | Judges’ Score | Week |
|---|---|---|
| Cha-Cha-Cha | 25/30 | Week 3 |
| Tango | 28/30 | Week 6 |
| Quickstep | 29/30 | Week 8 |
| Freestyle | 30/30 | Final |
These high scores reflect his dedication and the positive reception from both the judges and viewers, contributing to his overall success on the show. the “Freestyle” dance in the final was a perfect combination of all his skills.
The Road to the Final: Building momentum
Reaching the final of “Dancing with the Stars” is a important achievement, reflecting not only skill, but also consistency, popularity, and audience support. Rhys McClenaghan’s journey was defined by a steady ascent through the competition.
Fan Support and Voting
Fan voting plays a crucial role in “Dancing with the Stars”. Rhys’s popularity and the public’s favorable reaction to his performances fuelled his progress,illustrating the power of community support in a competitive environment. Social media campaigns and online trends helped sustain his momentum.
Impact and Legacy
Rhys McClenaghan’s participation in “Dancing with the Stars” extended beyond entertainment; it served as an example of the impact of sports stars transitioning to new artistic expressions. His success has inspired fans and opened doors for other athletes.
Beyond the Dance Floor: Continued Influence
Rhys continues to impact fans through further opportunities in Television and social media, providing valuable lessons on how to succeed inside and outside a professional environment.
