Chasing Gold (BBC One, 2023)

Directed by Lloyd Edgar, Chasing Gold is a documentary that follows Olympic gymnast Rhys McClenaghan as he prepares for three major competitions that could make or break his career — but can he bring home gold?

Commissioned by the BBC for inclusion in its 'Our Lives' strand and produced by Ronin Films, the film was Lloyd's directorial debut.

BBC Our Lives Logo - Belfast-based Documentary Film Director Lloyd Edgar has made two films which broadcast on BBC's Our Lives strand
Ronin Films logo - Belfast-based Documentary Film Director Lloyd Edgar frequently collaborates with Ronin Films
BBC One Logo - Belfast-based Documentary Film Director Lloyd Edgar has made two films which broadcast on BBC One
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About the film

Rhys McClenaghan is one of the most decorated gymnasts in Irish and British history. Chasing Gold captures him at a pivotal moment — preparing for three competitions in succession that would test his physical limits, his nerve and his future at the elite level.

Shot in observational documentary style across training camps, competitions and personal moments, the film offers an intimate portrait of the pressure on an elite athlete chasing the highest prize in his sport.

Since Chasing Gold aired, McClenaghan went on to win Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Behind the scenes of Chasing Gold, directed by Lloyd Edgar
Rhys McClenaghan training on the pommel horse — still from BBC One's Chasing Gold (2023), directed by Lloyd Edgar

Praise for Chasing Gold

Lovely True North film on Rhys McClenaghan, surprisingly emotional. What an amazing athlete. @desfilmsstuff on X
Loving this @McClenaghanRhys doc on BBCNI - his committment is incredible, great guy and family #TrueNorth @simon_proctor on X
Cool documentary about @McClenaghanRhys by@lloydedgar_00 on @BBCnireland #TrueNorth tonight. Nice touch. Cool show !! Well done everyone. #NorthernIreland #gymnastics #worldclass @nealmclelland on X
Brilliant #TrueNorth documentary on @McClenaghanRhys tonight. What an amazing athlete. A true credit to Newtownards and Northern Ireland. @scrabopower
Cracking wee #TrueNorth programme documenting #RhysMcClenaghan in his quest for more success at Commonwealth Games, Europeans, and World Championships. Gavin Nixon on X
Brilliant documentary on @BBCnireland about world champ @McClenaghanRhys very honest & raw. Nice to get that unfiltered, natural insight into an athlete. A whole life dedicated to chasing the dream. Impressive. @DervalORourke on X
It was fantastic documentary, the extremely fine margins, between not qualifying for top 8, and being WORLD CHAMPION. Olympic Champion NEXT. @EugeneLeach
Documentary Film Director, Lloyd Edgar

About the director

Chasing Gold was Lloyd Edgar's first commissioned directorial credit. He has since directed Love Nature (Channel 5, 2026) and Principal Ballerina (BBC One, 2026).

Lloyd is a Belfast-based documentary filmmaker and videographer working across observational, character-led broadcast documentary.

More praise for Chasing Gold

Great short documentary. What shines through is your relationship with your parents and Luke. So important. You're very lucky to have that. Kate Shannon Green on Facebook
Just an amazing programme tonight. Thanks to BBC for showing this. Paul Stew on Facebook
Great documentary. Well done Rhys and everyone involved. Carmel Montgomery on Facebook
Just watched the documentary.... brilliant...I even got emotional. You are a superstar and never forget it! Janice Stirling on Facebook
@rhysmcclenaghan what a raw, emotional & brutally honest account. What a tremendous inspiration Rhys & team are for all in Northern Ireland, Ireland or the world, with a hint of a sporting dream, be they Athlete, parent, coach or team Gilly on X
Really enjoyed the show, Lovely young man Karen Burton on Facebook
It was a super documentary, having followed for some time to see it all play out on TV was super, well done to his coach, what an awesome guy and top marks to his family
This was an incredible film about the Journey Rhys McClenaghan has been making. Incredibly impressed by every aspect of this raw, emotional and brutally honest account. Very well done BBC

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