Olympian Rhys McClenaghan gives fans post-surgery update

Extra.ie​

a day ago

Olympic gold medalist and Dancing with the Stars champion Rhys McClenaghan has shared a health update from the hospital after his shoulder surgery.
Rhys gave the camera a thumbs up from his hospital bed as he shared the update on social media.
The Olympic gymnast is recovering from having surgery on his shoulder which he remarked can be the 'reality of sport'. Rhys is in good spirits after the surgery. Pic: Instagram/Rhys McClenaghan
Rhys wrote: 'Day 1 of recovery from shoulder surgery'.
'I've been struggling with this injury for a while now, so I'm delighted that everything went to plan with the operation and I can make my way back to maintaining my spot as the best in the world at what I do.
'This is the reality of sport, and I love all of the challenges it throws my way. Champion Mindset.' Rhys McClenaghan in action at the Olympics. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Earlier this year, the gold medalist was forced to withdraw from the European Championships in Leipzig because of an unspecified injury.
At the time, he said: 'I tried my best to push through preparation but an injury kept holding me back.
'I chose to prioritise being healthy and recovering for future competitions this year and be sure that I can put out my best work yet. The Olympic gymnast is recovering from having surgery on his shoulder which he remarked can be the 'reality of sport'. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
'I may not be retaining my European title but the path to being the GOAT is still very clear.'
His fellow Dancing with the Stars team were quick to send their well wishes in the comment section of his recent post.
Kylee Vincent wrote: 'Speedy recovery', with Karen Byrne adding the same message and Brian Redmond saying: 'Get better soon champ. I hope the feet are still at their exceptional best.' Earlier this year, the gold medalist was forced to withdraw from the European Championships in Leipzig because of an unspecified injury. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Rhys shared an additional post on Instagram from the hospital bed with him narrating over videos from the hospital and clips from his gymnastics.
He said: 'This time last year, I was at the Olympic Games and today I'm in a hospital bed.
'I think this is why sport is such a great example for life.
'One moment, you're on top of the world and the next, well, you're not.
'Well because to have the good days, I think you have to have the bad days.
'I also think that this is one of the reasons why I love what I do so much because even though I'm in a bad situation currently, I know that when I'm back competing in front of millions again, when I finish that routine, it's going to feel so much sweeter.
'But that comeback starts today.'