Rhys McClenaghan has been denied the opportunity of defending his gymnastics title at the Commonwealth Games.
A ruling by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has determined that McClenaghan cannot compete for Northern Ireland, due to routinely representing Ireland in competition.
Gymnast Rhys McClenaghan has been told he will not be permitted to defend his pommel horse gold medal at this summer's Commonwealth Games.
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— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) May 26, 2022
"Earlier today I was informed that the [FIG] will not be allowing myself and my team mates to compete at the Commonwealth Games for Northern Ireland," he said on social media.
"I was born in Northern Ireland; my residence is in Northern Ireland and I represented and won Gold for Northern Ireland in the last Commonwealth Games.
"I feel that FIG do not understand the gravity of the Belfast Agreement and the unique situation pertaining to Northern Ireland.
"Every other sport understand the eligibility of Northern Irish athletes in accordance with Commonwealth Games.
"I would like to ask the FIG to reconsider their decision and allow us to compete at the Commonwealth Games."
Myself aside. For younger Northern Irish gymnasts to see this happening must be very discouraging. I hope this can change for their sake as well.
— Rhys Mcclenaghan (@McClenaghanRhys) May 26, 2022
Gymnasts have represented Northern Ireland at every Commonwealth Games going back to Auckland in 1990.
Gymnasts from other UK nations are unaffected because they hold Great Britain licences.
Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland issued a strongly-worded statement, accusing the FIG of having “completely disregarded” the Good Friday Agreement.
"Historically, TeamNI at all Commonwealth Games has included athletes across a range of sports who have chosen to represent either IRL or GBR at European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games," the statement read.
"We even have athletes within the same sport who have chosen different international performance pathways.
"This has always been respected and adds to the inclusive nature of TeamNI at Commonwealth Games.
"The FIG appear to have completely disregarded the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the unique situation pertaining to Northern Ireland.
"They are out of step with all of our other member sports"
