Speaking to Sinead Kissane on TV3 news, O’Connor said he was not surprised by the decision
“I would’ve been one of the reserves anyway so I was always prepared to get the call up.”
O’Connor maintained his innocence, despite being disqualified from the 2008 Olympics.
“It was always my goal to get to the Olympics. People will remember that I was cleared (after 2004) but rules are rules and I had to give back the medal. My conscience is clear, though. I’ve had eight great years.
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“Everyone’s entitled to their point of view. Some of that might be barstool talk, which may be misinformed.”
And the showjumper feels his experience will put him in good stead for the challenges that lie ahead.
“It’s wonderful to be able to go back. I’m possibly more humble now and have learned from mistakes.”
“I’m absolutely over the moon at today’s news of my Olympic selection.
“I’ve just learned of my selection to compete at the London Olympics on Blue Loyd. I am delighted to have this opportunity to compete again at the Olympic Games.
“The circumstances which led to my selection are most unfortunate for Denis Lynch, however I must now focus on the job at hand and ensure that both myself and Blue Loyd are in the best possible shape for the Games.
O’Connor won the showjumping title at Athens in 2004 but his horse, Waterford Crystal, failed a drugs test and the following year the Irish rider had his gold medal taken away from him.
The International Equestrian Federation found that Waterford Crystal had two banned substances in its system during the games.
And in July, 2005, the federation’s disciplinary committee, based in Zurich, disqualified the rider and imposed a three-month ban.
O’Connor noted at the time of the verdict that he was pleased the federation had accepted that neither he nor his vet were involved in any deliberate attempt to enhance the performance of his horse.
He commented at the time: “We’re talking about a fraction of a millionth of a gram in each case. We in no way tried to affect the results of the Olympic Games with drugs.”
In a bizarre twist to the affair the ‘B’ sample of Waterford Crystal’s urine was mysteriously stolen when it was sent to a testing laboratory in Newmarket, England, and documents relating to the case were stolen in a burglary at the Irish Equestrian Federation headquarters.
O’Connor blamed the document theft and sample disappearance on personal enemies who he alleged were plotting against him.
Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa who rode Baloubet du Rouet in Athens, was named the Olympic champion in O’Connor’s place.
You couldnt make it up if you tried…. So you see its not just our politicians…. Theres always been something funny about our Olympic organisation. You don’t have to look to hard before you start to wonder. Lets just hope that the few real olympians representing us do well. We’ll cheer them on.
As usual it will be down to our underfunded boxers to bring us home medals. That’s who I’ll be cheering for. The various dramas and rows that occur in Irish equestrian circles make it seem like a petty soap opera. No interest in watching the show jumping.
Bottom line Ireland. He was picked and is going so get behind him. He is a great rider who has devoted his life to the sport. Cut the shit now and support your Irish Olympians.
I hate to be blunt but it does not matter a damn whether you support him or not. This man has no idea that you even exist and he only cares about competing for Ireland. With or without the publics support this will happen. ‘Red thumb’ all you want. He was picked because of his ability. It is almost as if some people are stupid enough to believe that if they say there will not support Cian, then he will not compete. This is a fallacy. I hope you bitter little people find bliss in your ignorance.
Devoted his life to the sport? I’m sure we could turn out many equally talented or more talented riders if we could give them the same financial backing as he got to devote their life to the sport. Alas most of us have to devote our lives to work.
By the way….once a cheat, always a cheat. He betrayed the whole Olympic ideal and embarrassed his country. Why don’t we enter him in the swimming as well?
I wonder will he put carrying the flag? Money talks you know….
im just surprised that we are getting so worked up over what is really the worst sport at the olympics. i mean it really is crap, and people pump millions into it. i dont get it.
G’Wan the boxers, athletes, shooters, sailers etc.
posh kids on little pretty jumpy horsies dont belong at the olympics.
who was the team mate in last Olympics that refused to jump because of cian? there were more than just bad samples back then! bet can runs for the dail soon,he has a neck like a jockies bollox! (pun intended.)
I suspect he will have an accident on a horse. Karma. Pump drugs into a person or a horse and it will come back to get you. Who is the next sub – get ready.
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How is that a humble statement, what an arrogant s***!
You couldnt make it up if you tried…. So you see its not just our politicians…. Theres always been something funny about our Olympic organisation. You don’t have to look to hard before you start to wonder. Lets just hope that the few real olympians representing us do well. We’ll cheer them on.
He has learned from his mistakes, is he going to steal the A sample as well next time
Well you either are more humble or you’re not Cian
What A load of horse S#ite
“People will remember that I was cleared (after 2004) but rules are rules and I had to give back the medal.” – A more humble Cian O’Connor
Why do we keep shooting ourselves in the foot ?
But could you possibly be any more humble Cian
Posh , arrogant , may be a bit humble , well connected , cheats but shows no remorse ……. Pompous stuck up psychopath .
@pony calm down there fella, you’ll give yourself a coronary.
O’Connor should not go to the Olympics. Neither should Denis Lynch in fairness.
once that cheat waterford crystal stays at home!
As usual it will be down to our underfunded boxers to bring us home medals. That’s who I’ll be cheering for. The various dramas and rows that occur in Irish equestrian circles make it seem like a petty soap opera. No interest in watching the show jumping.
Bottom line Ireland. He was picked and is going so get behind him. He is a great rider who has devoted his life to the sport. Cut the shit now and support your Irish Olympians.
I will not support this man.
I will not.
Not a chance will I support him. This is a sham. What will other countries think of us when they learn of this…
I hate to be blunt but it does not matter a damn whether you support him or not. This man has no idea that you even exist and he only cares about competing for Ireland. With or without the publics support this will happen. ‘Red thumb’ all you want. He was picked because of his ability. It is almost as if some people are stupid enough to believe that if they say there will not support Cian, then he will not compete. This is a fallacy. I hope you bitter little people find bliss in your ignorance.
Devoted his life to the sport? I’m sure we could turn out many equally talented or more talented riders if we could give them the same financial backing as he got to devote their life to the sport. Alas most of us have to devote our lives to work.
By the way….once a cheat, always a cheat. He betrayed the whole Olympic ideal and embarrassed his country. Why don’t we enter him in the swimming as well?
I wonder will he put carrying the flag? Money talks you know….
I don’t care about his conscience being clear. Pity his poor horse’s drugs test wasn’t in 2004.
Two things I cant stand – underhandedness and cruelty to animals. Reeks of both.
Your conscience shouldn’t be clear. Your a cheat.
im just surprised that we are getting so worked up over what is really the worst sport at the olympics. i mean it really is crap, and people pump millions into it. i dont get it.
G’Wan the boxers, athletes, shooters, sailers etc.
posh kids on little pretty jumpy horsies dont belong at the olympics.
b%%%ocks………………………..
who was the team mate in last Olympics that refused to jump because of cian? there were more than just bad samples back then! bet can runs for the dail soon,he has a neck like a jockies bollox! (pun intended.)
Judging by the photo it Looks like somebody was eating a lot of pie humble or not lol
I suspect he will have an accident on a horse. Karma. Pump drugs into a person or a horse and it will come back to get you. Who is the next sub – get ready.