Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan has successfully undergone shoulder surgery that will keep him out of the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta.
The County Down man, who made history by winning Ireland's first Olympic gymnastics gold in Paris last year, said that his sights were already firmly on retaining his medal at the LA Games in 2028.
"I’m disappointed to miss this year’s World Championships, but my priority is to maintain my place as the best in the world on pommel horse," McClenaghan said.
"My goal is not only to retain my Olympic title in LA 2028 but to continue striving for gold in every major competition. This surgery was necessary to ensure I can perform at the highest level for years to come.
"Setbacks are part of elite sport, but my mindset is about turning challenges - as I have done before - into opportunities to raise my performance."
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