After overcoming the disappointment from Tokyo four years ago, the gymnastic sensation secured a top score of 15.533, edging out Kazakhstan's Nariman Kurbanov (15.433) and American Stephen Nedoroscik (15.333) to victory.
Rhys' mum Tracy shared her feelings, saying, "It feels a bit surreal to be honest with you," and added, "I knew this day would come some time, but I just can't believe it honestly."
She continued, "We're just over the moon for him. There is so much hard work that has gone into this. People often say it's four years of hard work to get to the Olympics, but Rhys has been working towards this since he was 8."
Tracy spoke of Rhys' lifelong commitment and sacrifices, stating, "It has been a lifetime of dedication from him and sacrifice just to get to this one moment, and we couldn't be happier for him."
The tension of the Pommel Horse event led Tracy to admit, "I'll enjoy watching it back because I'm not even sure I watched some of it. I still haven't watched the Tokyo one, but I will watch this one over and over again!"
Danny McClenaghan, Rhys' father, was also interviewed, finding himself nearly speechless with pride at his son's Olympic Champion title.
"I just feel amazing, I can't believe he has done it. But at the same time I think to myself 'Oh, of course he is a gold medalist. Because that's the way he is, he's fantastic."
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