The three-strong group, together with reigning pommel champion Rhys McClenaghan, had been barred by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) as a result of they’re licensed to compete for Eire in worldwide competitors.
However the controversial ruling has been overturned, with McClenaghan tweeting: “I’m delighted to lastly be allowed to compete on the Commonwealth Video games. I get the chance to retain my title, compete with my group mates and characterize all people who has assisted and supported me on this tough time.”
Northern Eire’s gymnasts have received their battle to compete at subsequent month’s Commonwealth Video games in Birmingham.
The announcement had led to a storm of protest, with Commonwealth Video games Northern Eire accusing the FIG of getting “utterly disregarded” the Good Friday settlement with its actions.
The FIG had initially been unrepentant, indicating that Northern Eire gymnasts confronted the stark selection of lacking the occasion or probably switching to compete for one of many different dwelling nations.
Sport Northern Eire welcomed FIG’s resolution however mentioned the saga emphasised the necessity to attain a world consensus on the eligibility of its athletes.
Sport NI chief govt Antoinette McKeown mentioned: “Equity for all of the athletes concerned was on the coronary heart of this matter and that’s the reason we’re delighted to see this difficulty resolved with a constructive consequence for our gymnasts and their sport.
“This difficulty has highlighted the necessity for a transparent worldwide consensus on the subject of Northern Irish athletes, and we will probably be partaking in wider conversations to pursue this goal.”
McClenaghan shot to prominence when he beat Olympic champion Max Whitlock to win gold on the Gold Coast in 2018. The next 12 months he received a world bronze medal in Stuttgart on the identical equipment.
The UK Authorities’s sports activities minister Nigel Huddleston praised the transfer, including in an announcement: “I’m delighted to see {that a} resolution has been discovered that may enable Rhys, Ewan and Eamon to compete and recognises the Belfast (Good Friday) Settlement.
“I’m extraordinarily grateful to the Worldwide Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for working with the athletes, the Commonwealth Video games Federation, Commonwealth Video games Northern Eire and the federal government to search out an agreeable resolution.
“Birmingham 2022 will probably be a unbelievable occasion and we look ahead to welcoming all athletes who’ve been chosen to compete.”
