Politicians criticise decision to block McClenaghan from competing at Commonwealth Games

Politicians north and south of the Border have criticised the decision not to let Olympic gymnast Rhys McClenaghan and two other athletes compete in the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

McClenaghan has been barred from defending his gymnastics title at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in a ruling that has been labelled as a “disgrace” and “wrong” by politicians.

The 22-year-old and his two Northern Ireland teammates have been told they are ineligible to compete in the event this summer because they routinely represent Ireland in competitions overseen by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), the sport’s international ruling body.

Last year, McClenaghan represented Team Ireland in the men’s pommel horse final at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Earlier today I was informed that the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) will not be allowing myself and my team mates to compete at the Commonwealth Games for Northern Ireland. pic.twitter.com/E8FndrY9Xv

— Rhys Mcclenaghan (@McClenaghanRhys) May 26, 2022

He won gold while representing Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

The Good Friday Agreement enshrines the rights of citizens in Northern Ireland to identify as Irish, British, or both, giving citizens the right to hold an Irish and/or British passport.

Northern Ireland’s communities minister Deirdre Hargey criticised the decision by the FIG, and has written to the body to seek an immediate overturning of the decision.

Ms Hargey said: “The decision taken by the International Gymnastics Federation to exclude our athletes Eamon Montgomery, Ewan McAteer and Rhys McClenaghan from the Commonwealth Games is a disgrace.

“The announcement is ill-advised and does not respect the rights of our citizens.”

The Sinn