I'm really sorry for your situation Rhys. You athletes haven't done anything wrong and yet are punished by the federation. I'm proud of you for your views on this and your mindset. You are awesome man, keep being you.
The FIG clearly have no understanding or appreciation of the GFA, otherwise you wouldn't be in the situation you're in now. Hope they come to their senses and reverse their idiotic decision!
Which is ridiculous because gymnastics is an almost solely international sport. However, where I do think Morinari Watanabe and co.'s poor understaning of international relations in part of the blame, politics is clearly playing much bigger part. The CWG are in England this year, the biggest gymnast on the British Isles is Max Whitlock, his best event is the pommel horse and later this year the World Championships are set to be held in Liverpool...So even though as Brit myself I'll absolutely be supporting Max, there's far too many dots that can be connected in this outcome. But most of all this a complete and utter mockery of sport--banning one of the top competitors two months before a competition on a cheap technicality that is only being applied to one discipline out of an entire multisport event...If this is how things are going to be the FIG needs a new president next election because this isn't even justifiable.
I'm English.and feel really bad about this. You are such a great example to others both as a gymnast and as a young man. Utmost respect to you sir. Very best wishes to you always.
That is really rotten....as an Irish descendant this is almost a slam to the unification efforts and Belfast Treaty. Stay strong my friend...I am rooting for the decision to be overturned. YOU ARE a shining example of good sportsmanship 🙏
As a person from Ulster, it makes a lot of sense. 'Choose who you want to represent and stick with it' is a common idea across the sporting world. If it is 'a slam to the unification efforts' then that's a bonus. Most of us see ourselves as British and are happy to remain so and have no interest in adopting the nationality of a foreign state.
@@Alan_Mac there's nothing wrong with representing Northern Ireland as well as another 'country' whether be Great Britain, Ireland or anywhere else for that matter. This is the case for most athletes and frankly should be the right of any athlete to represent somewhere they belong.
@@viewer.123 This is utter nonsense. Given the number of athletes who have competed internationally only a tiny fraction have represented two countries so to say 'this is the case for most athletes' is to take fact and turn it on its head. The Federation Internationale de Gymnastique was absolutely right to ban McClenaghan from the Commonwealth Games. I have no problem with him competing for Eire - that is his prerogative. However, when a competition comes around that Eire does not participate in then tough shit. He made his decision and should stick with it. Just like the overwhelming majority of athletes in the history of international sport have done. That this decision has been reversed is wrong and renders 'competing for your country' meaningless.
So sorry for your situation Rhys. It is very wrong, you should be allowed to represent the country you want to represent whether that's Northern Ireland England or Ireland stay strong.
I hope the decision is reversed soon so you can prepare properly for the Games. When I heard the news, I was shocked. You are the reigning champion ffs. I still have faith that you can make it to Birmingham so keep your head up and that positivity going!
There seems to be a serious conflict between international governing bodies. If I'm not mistaken, for the Olympics, the IOC has the athletes from Northern Ireland compete under the Irish flag, so if you register and qualify from Northern Ireland, you're put in as "Ireland." Then the FIG wants to come down and say if you register as being from Northern Ireland, you're an athlete from the UK. IOC recognizes "Great Britain," which doesn't include Northern Ireland. Other international governing bodies recognize the separate countries of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. This decision makes no sense to me.
This isn't the whole picture. The Olympic Federation of Ireland sees itself as a whole-island body so competitors from anywhere in Ireland can compete under that flag. However, athletes from NI can also choose to compete for the United Kingdom instead and be represented by the British Olympic Association. There is no conflict. Either compete for 'Ireland' or for GB. It's the choice of the competitor.
I am thinking positively for you and praying that the international committee reverses their decision on this matter. You've worked so hard and deserve the right to be there.
Rhys, you are the bigger man in all of this madness. My heart goes out to you and all your team mates. Let's hope the powers that be see the error of their decision making process. Northern Ireland will be missed in Birmingham...!
This is crazy! I hope they overturn their decision! You are the reigning champ and should be able to have a chance at defending your title. Good luck, I really hope it works out for you & your team 😊
Oh! Someone down the comment section suggested he should just show up at the competition still, if I understood that right. Wouldn't it be something if Rhys shows up at the arena, prepared to compete, awaiting last minute decision if the "powers" still don't overturn their latest decision before the Games? The media coverage! The controversy! The drama!
That is outrageous. Why are sports being turned into politics. And what right has anyone to BAN any athlete form competition unless there are egregious behaviours involved, cheating, doping or the like. You best appeal and if it goes against you, sue the daylights out of them. You are a champion. have competed before and should be able to compete again. This is dirty politics by a bunch of spineless louts. What is the problem? Who are they to say such a thing. Show up and compete anyway. Good to see you back on YT. It's been a while.
Oh! Wouldn't it be something if Rhys shows up at the arena, prepared to compete, awaiting last minute decision if the "powers" still don't overturn their latest decision before the Games? The media coverage! The controversy! The drama!
Like so many others- I am so sorry this is happening to you. We former and current gymnasts know how much one has to work to even go to one meet, let alone to be on a world stage (I certainly was far from the best.) But we all know the feeling of that disappointment no matter the level. To put so much in only to have a piece of paperwork and very questionable decision makers at the top of the sport we love is just plain wrong. I, like many others who’ve commented before me, am so sorry that you are going through this.
ahh Rhys! I am gutted for you - and deep respect for the grace you show (as always) in dealing with these difficult things that are out of your control. Even though you explained it I really still don't understand how they could make this decision. Is there any appeal process you can do? Do the Common Wealth Games have a mechanism like the Olympics (where you can compete under the Olympic Committee flag as an independent in certain circumstances...)?
Obviously I don't understand the situation. It doesn't seem to make sense. I looked up the Commonwealth Games and Northern Ireland is listed as a participating country, whereas Republic of Ireland is not. So it shouldn't be difficult. Yet it is. Somebody in charge has lost their mind, apparently.
That's absolutely insane. It's not like you're trying to misrepresent where you live or have a weird duel citizenship switching situation. It's not like Northern Ireland is an option for the Olympics.
Ugh - that is terrible! I'm really sorry you can't compete to defend your title. Your form is looking great and love the new moves. What's up next, then?
@@felimuller909 Oh right, I didn't realize it wasn't part of the Commonwealth. That's really unfortunate for Rhys and the other affected athletes then. It's such an unfair decision in that case though, the commonwealth games are all about letting athletes represent their specific nations instead of falling under the UK or GB umbrella :(
Seems the wrong decisions are being made by the wrong people. This is discrimination and wrong on so many levels. Wish you all the best with this mate.
This is insane! So suddenly you're not in the commonwealth, because under the Belfast agreement you can compete with Ireland??? The whole point of the agreement was to allow you to take part in both communities. As much as I don't agree with Boris, I'm sure he'd think Northern Ireland is part of the commonwealth...
So from my understanding, in the Commonwealth games the countries that make up the UK compete as independent nations, and that includes also athletes from the Channel Islands being separate. So, are NO athletes from Northern Ireland going to be present, or is it just the Gymnasts? And what wording has been changed in the last 4 years for the federation to their qualification rules? And would that mean that anyone with technically dual Nationality being banned from competing as they could switch allegiance for future competitions?
@@marknewbold2583 coz not really interested as it is just sport. And if I were interested I would, and have done a lot of research on news, or based on truth docudramas. So your insult. Failed. And you have made yourself look very silly.
They are right for banning you and the other guys, you are not English, you are Irish. so stop moaning and try harder to win the Olympics against the rest of the WORLD not just the queen's world's fantasy.
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, along with England, Scotland, and Wales; therefore, Northern Irish athletes deserve to be at the Commonwealth Games as much as the English ones do.
![ไลฟ์สุ่ม iPhone 295 บาท... โกงมั้ย?[ โกงมั้ยครับ ep.97 ] | DOM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gdstHEE4UUE/mqdefault.jpg)
Well you showed them young man! Many Congratulations on winning your first Olympic GOLD medal 2024🎉🎉🎉
I'm really sorry for your situation Rhys. You athletes haven't done anything wrong and yet are punished by the federation. I'm proud of you for your views on this and your mindset. You are awesome man, keep being you.
The FIG clearly have no understanding or appreciation of the GFA, otherwise you wouldn't be in the situation you're in now. Hope they come to their senses and reverse their idiotic decision!
Which is ridiculous because gymnastics is an almost solely international sport. However, where I do think Morinari Watanabe and co.'s poor understaning of international relations in part of the blame, politics is clearly playing much bigger part. The CWG are in England this year, the biggest gymnast on the British Isles is Max Whitlock, his best event is the pommel horse and later this year the World Championships are set to be held in Liverpool...So even though as Brit myself I'll absolutely be supporting Max, there's far too many dots that can be connected in this outcome.
But most of all this a complete and utter mockery of sport--banning one of the top competitors two months before a competition on a cheap technicality that is only being applied to one discipline out of an entire multisport event...If this is how things are going to be the FIG needs a new president next election because this isn't even justifiable.
I'm English.and feel really bad about this. You are such a great example to others both as a gymnast and as a young man. Utmost respect to you sir. Very best wishes to you always.
Rhys that is shocking, unbelievable. I hope things work out some how for you and the team.
For the fridge 🥳
Now you have gold.
I salute you from USA
That is really rotten....as an Irish descendant this is almost a slam to the unification efforts and Belfast Treaty.
Stay strong my friend...I am rooting for the decision to be overturned.
YOU ARE a shining example of good sportsmanship 🙏
As a person from Ulster, it makes a lot of sense. 'Choose who you want to represent and stick with it' is a common idea across the sporting world. If it is 'a slam to the unification efforts' then that's a bonus. Most of us see ourselves as British and are happy to remain so and have no interest in adopting the nationality of a foreign state.
@@Alan_Mac there's nothing wrong with representing Northern Ireland as well as another 'country' whether be Great Britain, Ireland or anywhere else for that matter. This is the case for most athletes and frankly should be the right of any athlete to represent somewhere they belong.
@@viewer.123 This is utter nonsense. Given the number of athletes who have competed internationally only a tiny fraction have represented two countries so to say 'this is the case for most athletes' is to take fact and turn it on its head.
The Federation Internationale de Gymnastique was absolutely right to ban McClenaghan from the Commonwealth Games. I have no problem with him competing for Eire - that is his prerogative. However, when a competition comes around that Eire does not participate in then tough shit. He made his decision and should stick with it. Just like the overwhelming majority of athletes in the history of international sport have done.
That this decision has been reversed is wrong and renders 'competing for your country' meaningless.
So sorry for your situation Rhys. It is very wrong, you should be allowed to represent the country you want to represent whether that's Northern Ireland England or Ireland stay strong.
Best of luck Rhys, I hope they change their minds soon. Stay positive
I'm so sorry to hear that it has come to this Rhys. I've watched you blossom and thrive as a gymnast and you deserve to compete!
I hope the decision is reversed soon so you can prepare properly for the Games. When I heard the news, I was shocked. You are the reigning champion ffs. I still have faith that you can make it to Birmingham so keep your head up and that positivity going!
There seems to be a serious conflict between international governing bodies. If I'm not mistaken, for the Olympics, the IOC has the athletes from Northern Ireland compete under the Irish flag, so if you register and qualify from Northern Ireland, you're put in as "Ireland." Then the FIG wants to come down and say if you register as being from Northern Ireland, you're an athlete from the UK.
IOC recognizes "Great Britain," which doesn't include Northern Ireland.
Other international governing bodies recognize the separate countries of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. This decision makes no sense to me.
This isn't the whole picture. The Olympic Federation of Ireland sees itself as a whole-island body so competitors from anywhere in Ireland can compete under that flag. However, athletes from NI can also choose to compete for the United Kingdom instead and be represented by the British Olympic Association.
There is no conflict. Either compete for 'Ireland' or for GB. It's the choice of the competitor.
I am thinking positively for you and praying that the international committee reverses their decision on this matter. You've worked so hard and deserve the right to be there.
I feel grandfathering the team into the games is appropriate. You bois are in the middle of training for the Commonwealth games. YOU SHOWED UP !!!!!
Rhys, you are the bigger man in all of this madness. My heart goes out to you and all your team mates. Let's hope the powers that be see the error of their decision making process. Northern Ireland will be missed in Birmingham...!
This is crazy! I hope they overturn their decision! You are the reigning champ and should be able to have a chance at defending your title.
Good luck, I really hope it works out for you & your team 😊
so sorry this is happening to you. chin up. keep up your positive attitude and hard work
Let’s donate a fridge for the guys and girls 🥳
Keeping fingers crossed!!!
Totally ridiculous! I hope this gets sorted for you!
I hope everything works out for you. You are a very positive person. Keep up the GOOD work.
Oh! Someone down the comment section suggested he should just show up at the competition still, if I understood that right. Wouldn't it be something if Rhys shows up at the arena, prepared to compete, awaiting last minute decision if the "powers" still don't overturn their latest decision before the Games? The media coverage! The controversy! The drama!
This is so unfair. I hope everything works out for you. You are a very positive person.
so sorry to hear that. hang in there
That is outrageous. Why are sports being turned into politics. And what right has anyone to BAN any athlete form competition unless there are egregious behaviours involved, cheating, doping or the like. You best appeal and if it goes against you, sue the daylights out of them. You are a champion. have competed before and should be able to compete again. This is dirty politics by a bunch of spineless louts. What is the problem? Who are they to say such a thing. Show up and compete anyway. Good to see you back on YT. It's been a while.
Oh! Wouldn't it be something if Rhys shows up at the arena, prepared to compete, awaiting last minute decision if the "powers" still don't overturn their latest decision before the Games? The media coverage! The controversy! The drama!
Like so many others- I am so sorry this is happening to you.
We former and current gymnasts know how much one has to work to even go to one meet, let alone to be on a world stage (I certainly was far from the best.)
But we all know the feeling of that disappointment no matter the level.
To put so much in only to have a piece of paperwork and very questionable decision makers at the top of the sport we love is just plain wrong.
I, like many others who’ve commented before me, am so sorry that you are going through this.
Good luck hope everything turns out good for you
I certainly hope that arguing for a fix is not just coming from the athletes but also from the CWG and the NI/BG sporting associationis.
Wow, you would think that as a defending gold medalist from the 2018 CWG, you would be Grandfathered in under that law?
ahh Rhys! I am gutted for you - and deep respect for the grace you show (as always) in dealing with these difficult things that are out of your control. Even though you explained it I really still don't understand how they could make this decision. Is there any appeal process you can do? Do the Common Wealth Games have a mechanism like the Olympics (where you can compete under the Olympic Committee flag as an independent in certain circumstances...)?
Oh my God what happen my ido Rhys your the best gymnast for me🥰🥰🥰🥰
Love the video…despise the decision……
Hopefully, it will work out for you!
Hey Rhys, why are you putting an Ankle weight on the pommel for your flanks?
But stay strong and keep practicing. Love you
Obviously I don't understand the situation. It doesn't seem to make sense. I looked up the Commonwealth Games and Northern Ireland is listed as a participating country, whereas Republic of Ireland is not. So it shouldn't be difficult. Yet it is. Somebody in charge has lost their mind, apparently.
I'm very sorry for you! I'm your fan.
You sound like my girl Nadine Coyle. I could listen to both of y'all talk all day! 🥰
Terrible terrible decision. I really hope they overturn it!
You are a pawn in the game of politics, I hope thinks work out for you.
So sorry. Whatever happens there will be other competitions.
What are the weights for?
Best of luck changing their minds!!!
That's absolutely insane. It's not like you're trying to misrepresent where you live or have a weird duel citizenship switching situation. It's not like Northern Ireland is an option for the Olympics.
Ugh - that is terrible! I'm really sorry you can't compete to defend your title. Your form is looking great and love the new moves. What's up next, then?
What's happening? Did Northern Ireland invade another country? 🤔
Damn
Sad news. I am still hoping that you’ll be part of Olympics. 😔
That's utter rubbish lets get this rubbish sorted.. start a campaign
Ops.. sorry for that
💔
Im so gutted for you about the commonwealth games.
Oh no, Rhys Mcclenaghan. I'm sorry for your athletes haven't done anything wrong and yet are punishment by the federation.
But that's so weird! Can you still go to the games and represent the republic of Ireland then?
the republic of Ireland is not part of the commonwealth, but as you probably know, history between Ireland and England is complicated...
@@felimuller909 Oh right, I didn't realize it wasn't part of the Commonwealth. That's really unfortunate for Rhys and the other affected athletes then. It's such an unfair decision in that case though, the commonwealth games are all about letting athletes represent their specific nations instead of falling under the UK or GB umbrella :(
Their loss for certain
What garbage. Stay strong!
pasuso...
can you ask to represent another country like gbr so you can compete? or how about as an independent? didn't the russians do that or something?
Seems the wrong decisions are being made by the wrong people. This is discrimination and wrong on so many levels. Wish you all the best with this mate.
This is insane! So suddenly you're not in the commonwealth, because under the Belfast agreement you can compete with Ireland??? The whole point of the agreement was to allow you to take part in both communities. As much as I don't agree with Boris, I'm sure he'd think Northern Ireland is part of the commonwealth...
Sorry to hear that man. I don't understand it all tbh but I don't see why u can't compete as a northern Irish athlete. Sorry man
Why did it bother me so much that you didn't show closing the ice fridge after putting in your food lol
itHinK theWorLd ofYou &iCaLL bS on theFederation! keepUp theGr8 t'WerK &uGottaNun onYouRside... #aLLwaYz
can you compete as an INDEPENDENT?????not for a set country
I don’t believe they can as it’s only commonwealth nations that compete. It’s a totally stupid decision by FIG who clearly don’t understand NI.
So from my understanding, in the Commonwealth games the countries that make up the UK compete as independent nations, and that includes also athletes from the Channel Islands being separate.
So, are NO athletes from Northern Ireland going to be present, or is it just the Gymnasts?
And what wording has been changed in the last 4 years for the federation to their qualification rules?
And would that mean that anyone with technically dual Nationality being banned from competing as they could switch allegiance for future competitions?
Why don't you research the subject?
@@marknewbold2583 coz not really interested as it is just sport.
And if I were interested I would, and have done a lot of research on news, or based on truth docudramas.
So your insult. Failed. And you have made yourself look very silly.
It’s just the gymnasts since FIG clearly don’t understand the NI situation.
whatever,,,,,,,,,,,you are wow!
They are right for banning you and the other guys, you are not English, you are Irish. so stop moaning and try harder to win the Olympics against the rest of the WORLD not just the queen's world's fantasy.
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, along with England, Scotland, and Wales; therefore, Northern Irish athletes deserve to be at the Commonwealth Games as much as the English ones do.
Neither are the other 71 nations of the Commonwealth so should they not send athletes either.