Olympic gold medalist Rhys McClenaghan has not only set the standard for excellence on the pommel horse, but he’s also exploring new frontiers by merging the worlds of gymnastics and fashion. In an exclusive interview with MH, McClenaghan discusses his mental and physical preparation for high-stakes competition, his unexpected partnership with G-STAR denim, and his vision for the future of both sport and fashion.
A Victory for Gymnastics and Inspiration
McClenaghan’s triumph on the pommel horse at the Olympics marked a significant milestone in his career, but for him, the win carries a deeper significance. “Shining a light on gymnastics has always been a major goal for me. Beyond just the achievements and medals,” he shares. The Olympic title is more than a personal victory—it’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of gymnasts and even adults aiming to achieve high standards in their lives. “This achievement hopefully gives people the understanding that I was just a kid with a dream who never gave up and worked tirelessly to make it happen.”
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Breaking the Mould with G-STAR
In a move that many would find unconventional, McClenaghan has partnered with G-STAR. A brand known for its bold and unexpected collaborations. So, what drew an Olympic gymnast to team up with a denim brand? “I always love to challenge the status quo,” he explains. “I’ve never seen gymnastics being done in full denim, and G-STAR’s campaigns showed me they would be able to showcase gymnastics in a collaboration like no other.”
For McClenaghan, the fusion of fashion and sport makes perfect sense. “Gymnastics is all about movement—achieving things with the human body that nobody has ever seen before. G-STAR complements these superhuman movements by incorporating fashion into them.”
The Denim Challenge
Performing his signature routines in G-STAR denim was, as expected, a unique experience. But McClenaghan was pleasantly surprised by how well the fabric held up. “Wearing full denim while on the pommel horse, I initially thought my movements would be limited. To my surprise, I felt incredibly free throughout the routine, without any restriction or discomfort,” he reveals. This experience reinforced his belief that this collaboration was meant to push boundaries.
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Changing Perceptions in Fashion and Sports
The partnership with G-STAR is more than just a stylish campaign—it’s about challenging perceptions and inspiring innovation. “Athletes are usually seen wearing sports clothing, but not often do you see sports performed elegantly in denim. That’s what this collaboration was about showing something the world has never seen before,” says McClenaghan.
Merging Worlds: Gymnastics and Fashion
So, what message does McClenaghan hope to send with this groundbreaking collaboration? “I believe it shows that sport and fashion have a place together and should be merged more often,” he says. The project has sparked a new interest in fashion for the gymnast, and he now has his sights set on more modelling opportunities. “Popular hip-hop artist ASAP Rocky merged his art of music creation with fashion—I hope to do the same with gymnastics.”
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Rhys McClenaghan’s journey from Olympic champion to fashion collaborator is proof that breaking boundaries leads to new and exciting possibilities. Whether on the pommel horse or the runway, McClenaghan is determined to inspire others to dream big and challenge expectations.
