Rhys McClenaghan did the nation proud when he took home a gold medal at the Paris Olympics over the summer.
Now he’s doing himself proud once again as he showed off his dance skills on Dancing with the Stars.
He and his pro partner Laura Nolan received the first 10s of the season for their Spider-Man inspired routine.
Speaking to VIP Magazine after that incredible performance, Rhys brushes off that there’s even more pressure on the pair now.
“From the first night, we’ve had that pressure,” he confessed.
But he’s enjoying himself, saying that he is loving dancing every weekend: “I wave at my family and I have a smile on my face.”
Of course, Rhys is aware that he’s a role model from his Olympic tour. And we wonder what it’s like to inspire a new generation of gymnasts.
“Last week was a perfect example of that. I was dressed up as my childhood hero Spider-Man and many other kids were watching who also had that dream of being Spider-Man. It was such a powerful thing to stand there and say this is for all the kids,” he tells us.
“The amount of messages we got after that, whether it be kids copying my moves or just putting on their Spider-Man costumes, it’s incredible! I was walking into the gym on Monday and I thinked I walked past about five different kids dressed as Spider-Man. They were inspired by seeing us on the TV. It’s really touching when things like that happen.
“I’ve had parents messaging me saying that their kids are inspired to go to their first gymnastics competition. I think that’s when you realise how important a show like this is.”
While his pro-partner, Laura Nolan says: “It wasn’t until I came on the show that I realised the power things like Dancing with the Stars has. When you see so many children watching the show and you have parents messaging you saying that their children are inspired to dance. That’s what it’s all about!”
He’s had a slow but steady journey to Paris 2024 and he’s been flat out since returning to Ireland.
“I have been constantly on the go but that is me enjoying it. I mean, what better way to enjoy winning an Olympic gold medal than dancing for three months straight,” he says with a laugh.
“I have been busy, but that has been me focusing on things outside of the gym as well. It’s always been a plan in my head that I would take these successful opportunities and enjoy life outside of the gym. This is me enjoying my win.”
Well we can’t wait to see this continue!
Dancing with the Stars continues on RTÉ One on Sunday at 6:30pm.
