What It Takes To Be A Gold Medal Gymnast | Rhys McClenaghan | Hot Seat 4

Rhys McClenaghan is an artistic gymnast competing internationally for both Northern Ireland and Ireland. He is a double world champion on pommel horse, having won gold in 2022 and 2023, the first Irish artistic gymnast ever to win world championship gold. We catch up with Rhys as he prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics to complete his collection of gold medals.
Instagram: / rhysmcc1
KZbin: @RhysMcclenaghanGymnast
~~Sponsored By CreativeShortcut~~
Logo, Animation & Edit by Creative Shortcut. Want to learn how to scale your digital media?
Start Today: tinyurl.com/yuu8j8fy
Tim's KZbin: / timbelchamber
~~Listen On~~
SPOTIFY: open.spotify.com/show/7KLx3ik...
APPLE PODCAST: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
RSS: www.bodyweightwarrior.co.uk/b...
ACCESS ALL MY WORKOUTS: www.bodyweightwarrior.co.uk/app
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: www.bodyweightwarrior.co.uk/n...
SHOP: www.bodyweightwarrior.co.uk/shop/
INSTAGRAM: @TheBodyweightWarrior
/ thebodyweightwarrior
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Welcome Rhys To The Hot Seat
0:34 Flexibility Warm-Up For Gymnastics
7:18 Why Rhys Became A Pommel Specialist
9:27 Rhys Tests Tom's Flexibility
10:30 Should You Static Stretch Before Training?
11:20 Competing As An Olympic Gymnast
15:30 History Of Pommel Horse
16:10 How Gymnastic Routines Are Scored
17:37 How To Start Pommel Horse Training
21:40 Basics Of Pommel Horse
25:40 Tom Attempts A Pommel Dismount
28:30 Why Basics Are Not Just For Beginners
30:00 Rings Training In Gymnastics
34:30 Why Handstands Are Fundamental
37:00 How Gymnasts Build Strength And Learn Skills
38:30 Managing Injuries In Gymnastics
41:30 What Is Next For Rhys?
43:00 What It Takes To Become A World Champion?
45:15 How Rhys Recovered From A Torn Labrum
47:10 What Inspired Tom To Do Bodyweight Training?
51:36 Basics Of Floor Acrobatics
56:35 The Big Fear For A Gymnast
59:02 Tom Attempts A Floor Skill
1:01:30 Finishing With Parallel Bars
1:02:10 Why You Can't Get A Perfect 10
1:04:00 Basics Of Parallel Bars
1:06:20 How Gymnasts Create More Grip
1:08:10 Gymnastics Really Is Hard!
1:08:40 Hot Takes With Rhys
1:13:14 Rhys Answers Cold Questions
1:14:48 Thanks For Joining The Hot Seat Rhys!

[@TimBelchamber]

I’ve got massive respect for anyone who chases their passion to the top 10% let alone defending a world champion position. Was a pleasure working on this with Tom & Rhys 💪🏼

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@TimBelchamber]

@@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234 being tall often correlates with being stronger (there’s more of you to push and pull with). However the relative strength increase compared to the additional leverage you have to overcome for bodyweight moves is not in tall people’s favour. Hence shorter gymnasts and absolute units for strongman men. I don’t think there’s a negative to tall, short or any particular size/shape. It’s about finding what you enjoy and/or genetically suited to and playing your own game.

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

@@TimBelchamber I would rather be extremely short. So that I would be able to somewhat perform a still ring routine. If you are tall or even average height you got little to no chance.

[@robertwijas]

I'm only 20 minutes in but I would love to see more content like this. Thanks!

[@BodyweightWarrior]

Thanks!

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@millacabral9475]

Only a few minutes in, but I was expecting this to be a regular sit down podcast and I'm excited to see where this video goes! I love gymnastics and have been following Rhys since 2019-ish. It's incredible that you guys managed to be sitting down on the floor while Monty is flipping close by and you can hear a single thing other than your voices. I know directional mics and all, but damn, gym floors are loud haha

[@TimBelchamber]

Huge echo in an open room like that too haha. Wireless lav mics, then davinci resolve voice isolation and dialog leveller to the track do wonders.

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@tr1ckster726]

I watched the whole thing. I will be cheering for Rhys at the summer Olympics!

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@gjohnmac]

2 of my favorite athletes in 1 video. Its a great Monday

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@Olli4]

Thanks for another nice video, love the relaxed attitude of these. Kudos for Rhys as well, seems to be a top notch friendly guy next to being a world champion!

[@BodyweightWarrior]

Thanks. Rhys was a great host and extremely humble for what he has achieved

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@StuartTufft]

Such an impressive video. Criminally under viewed.

[@Dannsandiego]

Brilliant episode Tom and Rhys!

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@djj3357]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Great conversation, explanations, & demonstrations!! 🔥💪🏾

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@Lucas_SM_Gymnasthenics]

Absolutely loved this, a fabulous podcast while simultaneously seeing you perform gymnastics a wonderful mixture. Rhys was an awesome guest, super nice conversation while he also showed us some elite gymnast skill every now and then.

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@scholtzgnomie]

Gymnastics seriously does not get enough attention in the fitness world. We need more content like this, showing the benefits of gymnastic style strength and flexibility. Amazing content!

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

So much hard work! So much respect. I have always loved watching Gymnasts. PS. " Mind muscle connections". YES! As a kid I'd love of had this wisdom/ knowledge. You did so well Tom. Respect to you. X

[@BodyweightWarrior]

If I could do any sport as a kid, gymnastics would be it

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@chikara2392]

So Interesting to have a direct insight on the world of gymnastics that is often so closed to outsiders. Nice work as always!

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@Witcherworks]

This is awesome to see the content and listen to a podcast at the same time! Now im about to start streching!

[@BodyweightWarrior]

Love it, quality combo

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

@@BodyweightWarrior Your struggle truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like you. I'm a guy.

[@andreaslynen6113]

Amazing video, Thank you🙏🙏🙏

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

32:39 This is why gymnasts replaced the bent arm straight body press with the straight arm bent body press.

[@hafidprudantavaria]

Nice chat Tom! thanks to bring to us this top athlete!, Tom! You owe us the floor routine haha, i was waiting for a round off backflip haha, cheers and wish you the best!

[@BodyweightWarrior]

One day…

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@TrueWren]

Just found your channel, loving it. In terms olympic aports needed alot of flexibility, what about figure skaters and maybe weightlifters.

[@johanhisingeckmann9873]

looks like a lot of fun...

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@KobGoodJourney]

Very nice 👍❤

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@proudmisfit4405]

i think breaking is also as challenging as a dance. Great podcast

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@manusego]

Tom 👏👏👏👏💪💪💪💪

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@ToniGado]

❤

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@DPSAX95]

please ask Lefteris Petrounias for an interview, he is an amazing guy and at the top of rings for years!

[@BodyweightWarrior]

sounds fascinating, I'll look into it

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@SlobosReality]

Hands down Martial Arts Tricking and Gymnastics hardest sport in terms of human capabilities

[@BodyweightWarrior]

Agreed

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@JJOK1818-okthen]

👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@TimCairl]

Holy crapoli. My number one UK channel (Tom) and my number one Irish channel (Rhys) are on the same bud. 🤩🤩🤩🤩 I’m done . I’m dead 💀 thank you both!

[@BodyweightWarrior]

thanks!

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@TimCairl]

⁠I love Tom’s height! His walk thru vids are my favorite

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

@@TimCairl I hate it, being tall makes strength elements in gymnastics nearly if not impossible.

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

You truly make me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than your height. I'm a guy.

[@kydzs]

Id say mma and gymnastics are the hardest sports

[@BodyweightWarrior]

Agreed but one two completely different ends of the spectrum

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@cameronfateweaver2206]

interesting...

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@shivohamyogi]

Hii guys 😊😊😊

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.

[@stevie56565]

first requirement is that you need to be a very slender petite man to be a male gymnast.... Most are... certain body types are required in most sports.

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

No you need to be a buff m*dget guy like Aleksandr Safoshkin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYvaaXlmmJuXerM

[@brawales]

He is not even Irish, He is Britsh, I want to someone someone from The Republic of Ireland.

[@Berley_1234]

cute

[@seyersusej8329]

You two are just incredible people, such inspirations for everyone going into body-weight based training 🫡

[@TheAnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Tom Merrick truly makes me want to be extremely short like Aleksandr Safoshkin (he's 5'1 155cm) because being tall makes you really weak I'd rather be under 5 feet less than 155cm than 190cm like Merrick. I'm a guy.