KIERAN BEHAN became the first Irish gymnast in 16 years to qualify for the Olympics today.
The 22-year-old, who is based in Surrey, earned a place in the Floor Final at the London Prepares Test Event last night with a score of 14.8000 and secured a 34th place finish this afternoon to book a place in this year’s event.
Back in 1996, Barry McDonald became Ireland’s first and only gymnast to reach the Games so Behan’s achievement is quite remarkable.
What makes it even more incredible is that, at the age of 10, Behan, whose parents are from Dublin and Monaghan, feared he might never walk again after a tumour was discoverd on his leg.
After reaching the final at the O2 Arena last night, his coach Simon Gale, said on the Gymnastics Ireland website: “I’m absolutely thrilled to bits, it’s absolutely incredible.
We consider this an amazing achievement to get this far, especially when so many other countries having a stronger pedigree in gymnastics haven’t got this far.”
Watch Behan’s Floor from qualifying:
YouTube credit: FullTwistGym
Great analysis. Doris is playing some great stuff. Mad that he’s still only 26
Wonderful analysis as usual Murray. Surely Doris is now nailed on for Lions No. 8 barring injury? He is starting to develop a cloak of invincibility and Ireland (and Leinster) are so lucky to have him. He is the sort of player that would drive us mad if he was playing against us because every little thing he does is on the edge of the law (Murray proves a few are beyond the law) but it is so subtle and hidden from the eyes of the ref that he knows he will get away with it. In addition, referees are developing a high level of respect for him and therefore he seems to get the benefit of the doubt more than others (for example Porter or Joe McCarthy)
@Paul Ennis: I think his competition will come from Tom & Jack Willis who are also on fire at the moment.
SUPERB PLAYER. A difference maker for club and country. He is now a top 5 player in terms of world ranking in my opinion.
Ringrose with the subtle nudge of the supporting LAR player at the Doris/VDF breakdown preventing LAR from resourcing the ruck. Leinster are very good at getting little subtle advantages like this. Like all good teams.
Mayo for the European “Sam”!
A class above against LAR.