McClenaghan pleased Glasgow will host Commonwealth Games

Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan said he "couldn't think of a better place" for the Commonwealth Games to take place than Glasgow.

It has been confirmed that the Scottish city will host a scaled back Commonwealth Games in 2026 after the state of Victoria pulled out of hosting last year.

McClenaghan, who won silver in Birmingham in 2022 and gold in the Gold Coast in 2018, is delighted that the games will go ahead in two years' time.

"It’s a great competition you get to experience, and the Commonwealth Games will always be one I look forward to," he told BBC Sport NI.

"I have the fond memories of Birmingham and also the Gold Coast and I look forward to getting another chance of competing in 2026."

McClenaghan won his first European gold medal in the pommel horse in the Hydro in Glasgow in 2018 and believes the city has the infrastructure to host gymnastics events, if it is one of the 10 sports included.

"My first European title was in Glasgow in the Hydro and I have amazing memories there, when I think of Glasgow I think of gymnastics, and I couldn’t think of a better place for the games to be."

The 25-year-old also admitted that among the numerous benefits to his career that the Commonwealth Games has provided, getting to represent Northern Ireland is one of the highlights.

"For me, the Commonwealth Games was a real sling shot for my career, it was my first ever major championship win and it really gave me the confidence moving forward to take further titles," explained McClenaghan.

"For people looking to qualify for the Olympic Games it is a great halfway mark between the last Olympics and the next one.

"It is the only competition I get to represent Northern Ireland so it’s an important one."

Chairman of the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council Stephen Martin said that the announcement that Glasgow has stepped in to host the games was a "relief".

"Well done to Glasgow and well done to Commonwealth Games Scotland for finding this innovative solution, using existing facilities and infrastructure, world class arenas and accommodation," he added.

"It will be different, but it is very exciting. We're looking forward to it because off the back of Birmingham, we want to build on it.

"[Birmingham] was our best ever games; 18 medals and 11th in the medal table so it is great to get this solution over the line."