A NEW YEAR'S RHYSOLUTION

McClenaghan aims for a competitive 2026 after injury lay-off

- MARK MCCADDEN

RHYS McClenaghan is ready to "dust off the cobwebs" this year and put the frustration of a long injury layoff behind him.

The Paris Olympics gold medallist has recovered from a shoulder injury that has kept him out of competition since his stunning win at the 2024 Games.

McClenaghan underwent surgery last year to cure what he described as the "longest lingering injury" of his career.

And now the gymnast is ready to get back into competition and kickstart his preparations for the defence of his Olympic crown in Los Angeles in two and a half years' time.

There are plenty of events on the calendar in 2026, including the Commonwealth Games in the summer and the World Championships in October.

"Going into 2026, there is the World Cup series, which is pretty much four back-to-back competitions; really high-level, but they don't hold so much weight," McClenaghan told Fitter Happier.

"So I'll be competing against the best in the world, but they won't be major competitions.

"But what they will do is they will really put me through my paces. They will challenge me and dust off those cobwebs. Hopefully we'll hit some big scores and also put out some new routines, which I am always excited for."

McClenaghan has been back in full training and "not holding back at all" since before Christmas.