Event: Cycling (Omnium).

Who is he? Martyn Irvine, 26, from Newtownards, Co. Down is a late-comer to elite level sport, but is quickly making up for lost time.

That’s him in front. ©INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

Road to London: Irvine took part in 11 global qualification events in the past two years. He finally sealed a place on the biggest stage with seventh place in Melbourne – a result which, coincidentally, left him seventh in the overall European standings. A lucky number?

What he says about himself: Speaking to TheScore.ie in May, Irvine told us: “Podium is in my head, that’s where I see myself standing. Four-tenths of a second separates 10 guys in the Omnium. You obviously need a twist of luck but I know that if it all goes my way, I’ve all the tools to do it.”

Medal chances: Well, there you have it. Despite Ireland not having a velodrome to its name, he has become well-accustomed to top 10 placings while competing with the best in his field. Six events, three Jimmies.

On the Twitter: You can find him @Martyn_Irvine, he’s a guy who appreciates the little things in life.

If you meet him in a bar, ask him… about his life before he became dedicated to cycling. Looking back, he described himself as a ‘couch potato’. Now look at him.

If he was a YouTube video, he would be... coming from nowhere to shock the field.

YouTube credit: RatedFluffy

Read more of TheScore’s “London 2012: Introducing” series here >