Event: Showjumping.
Who is he? If Cian O’Connor is a new name to you then first; allow me to introduce you to the Olympic Games.
O’Connor, 32, claimed gold for Ireland eight years ago in Athens only to be stripped of the honour after his horse Waterford Crystal tested positive for a banned substance. O’Connor received a three-month ban, but soon returned to competition.
Road to London: Early this month, O’Connor was selected from a standby list to compete in the games when Denis Lynch was omitted due to continued hypersensitivity in his horse, Lantinus.
This time around, Blue Loyd is the beast set to carry O’Connor through the competition.
What he says about himself: “Everyone’s entitled to their point of view. Some of that might be barstool talk, which may be misinformed.” He told TV3 after his inclusion, adding: “It’s wonderful to be able to go back. I’m possibly more humble now and have learned from mistakes.”
Medal chances: A repeat of his performance in 2004 is possible. When all the controversy is set aside, the illegal substances found within Waterford Crystal were not classed as performance enhancing. He has become a regular top 10 finisher on the show-jumping circuit, though has been unable to consistently make the podium. Three Jimmies.
If he were a YouTube video... he might be this very, very sorry dog. He’s taken his punishment, how could you stay mad at him?
YouTube credit: foodplot
