The Commonwealth Games title and first European win came in 2018 and when the delayed Tokyo Olympics arrived three years later he was among the favourites.
That day, it didn’t happen for McClenaghan.
However, since then he has dominated the world with a pair of global and continental titles.
“It’s a crazy journey. All athletes have their own story. Of course, I am paying close attention to my own story but I’m going to write it in the happiest fashion that I can possibly make it.
“That journey isn’t medal-dependant. It is enjoying the journey, enjoying going to competitions around the world, enjoying going to training every day, having gymnastics as my job – it never gets old even just saying that.
“That in itself is a lifelong dream and something I dreamt of when I was in school.
“Literally daydreaming in classes about gymnastics routines.
“So the fact is, that is what I do, that is me, I am a professional gymnast and that is already a win.
“Yes, the medals are the driving force. That is the pinnacle of our sport and I’m always working towards that, but I made it very apparent after Tokyo that I wanted to enjoy that journey to the top of that mountain.
“Even if I didn’t walk away with a medal today I would have a lifetime of experience, a lifetime of wins and losses, but today was a win.”
For the first time, there were three current world champions from Northern Ireland competing at an Olympic Games.
All three – McClenaghan, Hannah Scott and Daniel Wiffen – have become Olympic champions in the space of just five days for what has arguably been the greatest week of sport in Northern Ireland’s history.
“It is remarkable,” McClenaghan added. “It makes me incredibly proud to come from Northern Ireland and bring home this medal.
“It’s the first gold medal for Newtownards in the Olympics, so I hope I’ve made everyone back home proud.”