Rhys McClenaghan believes his new training base set up by coach Luke Carson can inspire a future generation of gymnasts in Northern Ireland.
The World, European and Commonwealth champion will now train from a brand new facility in his home town of Newtownards.
MvcClenaghan has been travelling to Sports Ireland's National Gymnastics Training Centre in Dublin to prepare for competition since 2018.
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The 23-year-old will now work out of Origin Gymnastics at Blair Mayne Wellbeing & Leisure Complex, opened by mentor and coach Carson.
A special homecoming ceremony was held on Tuesday for McClenaghan following his latest European gold medal, which coincided with the official launch of the new facility in Co Down.
McClenaghan - who lives within walking distance to the gym - told Belfast Live: "It is always nice to get the support of my hometown and the council, and today it doubles up with a very special occasion of the opening of Origin Gymnastics which was set up by my coach Luke and his business partner, Matthew O'Connor.
"It is something I have seen in the pipeline for several years, and to finally see it come to fruition in my home town is amazing.
"It means I can be as comfortable as possible when I train. I can train at home in Newtownards instead of travelling a lot.
"Also inspiring the next generation. The amount of motivation that gives me, to come into the gym each day and give 100 per cent. You need that added motivation.
"I am still only 23 and it is the very early stages of my career. I am grateful I have achieved so much so far, but there is so much to come.
"And that drives me on."
McClenaghan added: "This is certainly part of Luke's plan to leave a legacy. And it's part of my plan too.
"And I am sure it won't be the end of gymnastics facilities opening up across the country. But for the first one to be Origin Gymnastics here in my home town is perfect."
McClenaghan has claimed gold medals at the World and European Championships, as well as the Commonwealth Games.
The only one missing from his collection is Olympic gold, something he hopes to achieve in Paris next year.
"The Olympics is the only one missing from the collection. I couldn't be more proud to be training for the 2024 Games here in my home town," he said.
"I am sure that will be incredibly inspiring for younger kids seeing me train here for the Olympic Games. I know it is something I would have loved when I was a younger gymnast.
"To give something back now as a gymnast is incredible."
"I am delighted for Luke. he has helped me achieve my dreams in gymnastics. But to see Luke realise one of his own lifelong dreams of opening up a gymnastics centre, it is a very special one."
Carson has mentored McClenaghan's career since an early age.
The 33-year-old previously competed for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games, and is now driving the sport of gymnastics, and its young champions.
He hopes Origin Gymnastics, which is being backed by Sport Ireland and Gymnastics Ireland, can help promote the sport further, and inspire a future generation of Rhys McClenaghans.
"This gym has been about a decade of planning. It has been hard to get it across the line, but that passion and resilience that gymnastics has taught me over the years has got me to here," Carson said.
"The facility will cater for all ages and abilities, and Rhys McClenaghan will use this as his full-time training base.
"To get this here is amazing. I am very proud to be standing here today.
"When I was younger I would have loved to have a facility like this. But it is not just about being the next Rhys McClenaghan, or being an elite athlete, it is about people increasing their own natural health, and that's in essence what we are."
Carson believes having a 'home' training base will benefit McClenaghan, rather than spending hours on the road travelling up and down to Dublin every week.
"He will have a base now, close to his home. We were doing 500 miles a week up and down to Dublin and that wears on you," he said.
"My car engine blew up on Friday. It finally died on me with the amount of miles we have done in it.
"I had to come here today in my mum's car. So the fact that Rhys can now walk here is amazing."
Carson added: "We want to inspire the next generation. The members of our gym can train alongside Rhys and see how he prepares for major competitions, including next year's Olympic Games.
"Rhys is only 23 and he has a few Olympic cycles in him. All sights are set on Paris next year."
For more info on Origin Gymnastics check out their website HERE or follow them on Instagram
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