There was further disappointment for Rhys McClenaghan on the pommel horse on Wednesday, this time at the World Gymnastics Championships in Japan.
The 22-year-old failed to qualify for Saturday's final following a late slip on the apparatus which resulted in him scoring a disappointing 13.766.
McClenaghan performed his routine following a 90-minute delay due to another competitor testing positive for Covid-19.
"I’m sad I trained until this point just to have the chalk wiped off the equipment and been told to wait 1hour 30mins before I competed," a frustrated McClenaghan wrote on Twitter.
"Due to a competitor in the subdivision before testing positive for covid. Time to go home and just hope there’s not another Worlds like this one."
I’m sad I trained until this point just to have the chalk wiped off the equipment and been told to wait 1hour 30mins before I competed. Due to a competitor in the subdivision before testing positive for covid. Time to go home and just hope there’s not another Worlds like this one
— Rhys Mcclenaghan (@McClenaghanRhys) October 20, 2021
10 weeks ago, McClenghan suffered disappointment at the Olympics when he finished seventh in the final following a slip early in his routine.
"It was a difficult subdivision for Rhys McClenaghan out in Japan this morning, and indeed for all the other gymnasts in his sub as a Covid19 related issue led to over an hour delay to the competition," said Gymnastics Ireland CEO Ciaran Gallagher on Wednesday.
"The tight covid protocols and response to any covid related matter from the Japanese organisers are of course completely understandable however of course this kind of impact mid-event is felt by all the gymnasts.
"As ever Rhys pushed through his routine in difficult circumstances and was unlucky not to final on this occasion.
"We all know what he is capable of and are all incredibly proud to have him fly the flag so well for Ireland/Gymnastics Ireland.
"With this being the last major event in 2021 Rhys, our National Coach Luke and Performance & Technical Manager Sally will now refocus on 2022 as the campaign towards Paris 2024 begins next year."
There is further Irish interest in Japan. Galway teenager Emma Slevin will compete in the All Around final on Thursday. It will be shown live on the RTÉ Player from from 9.55am Irish time.
Rhys McClenaghan looked effortless on pommels until right before his Russians when his legs flew apart, bent, and hit the horse. He straightened up quickly and figured out the rhythm again but lost it into his dismount. 13.766 (6.0, 7.766)...17th 😰
— The Gymternet (@thegymterdotnet) October 20, 2021
Succession: We're Doing Player Ratings For Every Episode Of Season Three
