One of the BIG good news stories of Test Meet and the coming Olympics is Kieran Behan from Ireland.
Here’s a kid who was warned he might never walk again at age-9. Was hospitalized 8wks at age-12 with brain damage. In 2008 he ruptured a cruciate knee ligament. In 2010 he did the same to his other knee.
He wouldn’t quit …
… selling sweets and washing cars to finance his trips in search of world ranking points. His father Phil, a builder, and mother Bernie, their son admits, “have put every spare penny they have into me.” His coach Simon Gale revealed that, “It’s been a struggle for him. Gymnastics Ireland hasn’t been able to fund him really and last year alone he spent thousands competing in places like Japan , Germany, Slovenia, Croatia and the Czech Republic.”…
After all that, Kieran somehow placed 34th AA at Test Meet London, grabbing one of the last Olympic spots. He finished 4th in Floor (VIDEO), a serious contender for Olympic Finals.
Ireland has gone nuts over Kieran, despite the fact he trains in England. Here are some of the Google News stories right now:
• Irish Independent – I was told I’d never walk again — today I’m aiming for the Olympics
• Sports News Ireland – Kieran Behan has indeed ‘come from nowhere’ to gain a place in London 2012
Full Twist has been covering the story closely.
Keiran and entourage were flown last minute to Ireland’s #1 The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy. He’s already a national treasure just for qualifying to the Olympics.
From nobody to national celebrity. 🙂 CONGRATS to Keiran.
You can bet on whether he’ll win the Olympic medal or bring out an award winning autobiography.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 