CIARAN O’LIONAIRD HAS expressed his disappointment after failing to qualify for 1500m semi-finals at the Olympic Games, suggesting he is considering his future in the sport.
Speaking to RTE, O’Lionaird said he will have to “reevaluate his life” and revealed that he may “find something else to do”.
“I was on a good plan before this,” he added.
The Cork native explained that he did not want to “dwell” on the failure and admitted that he was “eager to get away” from the Olympics and be reunited with friends and family.
O’Lionaird also suggested he was not fully fit to compete this evening, saying his performance was like “running on a flat tire”.
However, he explained that should he quit running, he’ll “find something else to compete in, because I’m a competitive guy”.
Speaking to TheScore.ie’s Will Downing, O’Lionaird added that “he still isn’t where he was last year” and “that his achilles still hurts day in day out”.
Ciaran, we are still proud of you….no matter what!
I’m sure he’ll be successful in whatever he does and making it to the Olympics is a great achievement. But it’s also really nice to see an athlete have perspective that there is life after sport, as unfortunately, most sporting careers do have a short time frame.
When you stick a microphone up someone’s nose immediately after they fail to live up to their own expectations you can be sure that they’re demoralized. He is a great prospect for Rio and hopefully the press will go away and give him time to lick his wounds and come back revitalized.
When you stick a microphone up someone’s nose immediately after they fail to live up to their own expectations you can be sure that they’re demoralized. He is a great prospect for Rio and hopefully the press will go away and give him time to lick his wounds and come back revitalized.
Getting to the Olympics itself is amazing. Sometimes the performance just doesn’t happen on the day for whatever reason. Good luck in whatever you decide to do in the future.
That is a great idea Ciaran you just arent up to it.
why didn’t you run instead of him?
The record you have Leona is for reporting comments.
As a gold medal winning Olympian Leona, I would expect that you’d show sympathy and support for a fellow athlete as opposed to the attitude reflected in your comment
Funny that there is absolutely no record of a Leona smullen representing Ireland last year. Shame on you for trying to jump on the wonderful bandwagon of the special Olympics.
What sport Leona?
Les Rock
Yes I did represent Ireland you dont even know me
So, what event was it Leona?
so where’s your name on the timesheet or in the records.
Sez someone who lives in Avatarland…
What a horrible bitchy comment. You should be proud of yourself Leona
Leona is too busy sitting on her couch trolling to do anything so energetic.
did u try out? didnt think so. he wasnt up to it thats fair enough but no need to be a tool in an interview.
Obviously a hard working, great athlete but must question the IOC / Athletics Ireland sending him as by his own admission he’s been injured for a year with only one months training before London. I feel sorry for the uninjured, unknown Irish athlete that should have been there but didn’t get the opportunity.
Jaysus @emcg53 you’re only after doing your first 10k & you’re already pushing for an Olympic spot!!
Any Irish athlete that made the A standard went… With two exceptions. It is not like he ‘took’ somebodies spot. He made the standard, even if it was last year.
Get the ankle sorted an reassess things then. Don’t misplace your anger.
Was just on the Special Olympics website and there is no record of any Leona Smullen among the travelling athletes for Greece 2011. Either there’s a mistake on the website or you are a pretty warped individual? Which is it??
i did the same Ger. Shameful utterly shameful
Or shes not using her real name? Did you think of tat 1?
Wise up Derek
Not using her real name? If its not, it’s a very random name to come up with don’t ye think …Leona smullen
How dare any of you accuse me of making this up. I did represent my country at the Special Olympics. I won a medal in football. I’m not using my real name on here.
Thought in his interview that he came across as flippant and uncaring – a pity, as I would have felt that being chosen for ones Country was a huge honour?
Maybe with some personal reflection and much more maturity, he might come across better and then his performances might also improve too?
Leona the Irish women’s special Olympic football team were beaten in the final by Greece. Now quit digging a hole for yourself, you should be ashamed of yourself.
I thought it was a gold medal not just any medal.
Les Rock
you’re right I should be ashamed of myself for not using my real identity. I lied I didnt go to Greece last year. In 2003 when Ireland hosted it I was part of the team. I was a member of the football team. I stayed in Lucan for a week and then I stayed in NUI Maynooth campus for the duration of the games. The football games were out in UCD. And I did win medal.
Les Rock spot on chief
you are a liar leona!
Sluazcanal
if you and other people dont believe me thats not my problem.
There will be other opportunities don’t give up, champions are built from disappointment. Have a rest, review and start again…
Well done ciaran (and leona for giving me a laugh). You will be back..today isn’t the time to decide your future!
Leona you’re a liar, disgraceful really. Shame on you
Unlucky Ciaran. Leevale still proud of you and the country as well. Another Olympian from Leevale and Cork.
I know Leona well, she’s actually a sister of Johnny Knoxville and married one of the famous Smullens from Ring, Co. Waterford. I couldn’t vouch for them though but going by Johnny I’d say she’d have something to do with the special Olympics alright.
^^smell of bullshit^^
just hate to see someone jump on the bandwagon of the special olympics and doing a disservice to the great athletes that do represent Ireland in the special Olympics.
Leona, I’d advise you to speak with a mental health professional ASAP, genuinely worried for you
Why if you know what it’s like to be an athlete would you say something so hurtful then? Makes no sense. The poor guy is gutted but he will be back a bit of PMA and he will be fine
This is in response to a post just deleted. Boy do I look stupid!
If leona did take part in special olympics, than very well done leona,
poor fella had just lost the race of his life.. was unfair not to expect his despair.. he still qualified for the olympics injured so heal up decide then instead of hasty comments
Don’t give up yet at your first attempt if you can , not sure what age you are but you might like to take a break and try for the next games if possible . What ever you decide well done anyway !!
In the 2011 Special Olympics the MEN’s soccer 11 won a medal (silver I think). Something you want to tell us, Leona….hm…?
Que the eastenders dum dums!
Ger, your some man talking bout a woman like you just did, shows what kind of man you are you thick
And then, theres Steve Reich..