A former Irish priest with known psychiatric problems has caused one of the biggest scandals in Olympic history, attacking the leader of the men's marathon some four miles from the finish. Ian O'Riordan, in Athens, and Frank McNally report.
Neil Horan, a 57-year-old Kerry native now residing in London, was previously best known for his dangerous protest during the British Grand Prix race in July of last year.
But he eclipsed this in Athens yesterday when, shortly before the marathon's 22-mile mark, he ran on to the street and pushed race leader Vanderlei de Lima of Brazil into the crowds that lined the course.
De Lima tried to recover but was passed two miles later by the Italian Stefano Baldini, who went on to win the gold medal in just under two hours and eleven minutes - with de Lima holding on for bronze.
Horan was arrested by Greek police. Tied to his chest were the words "The second coming is near, says the Bible".
De Lima, later said: "I lost the gold medal in that moment, but I was afraid because I didn't know whether he was armed." He added: "I'm sure I would have won the gold were it not for this crazy idiot."
The Italian winner disagreed. "The way I was running today nobody would have beaten me," claimed Baldini. Yet the incident is destined to become part of Olympic history, for all the wrong reasons.
Officials swiftly confirmed that the result would stand. But the International Olympic Committee, recognising the injustice to De Lima, decided to present the Brazilian with their special Pierre de Coubertin medal.
An IOC spokeswoman said: "We have decided to do this in recognition of de Lima's exceptional demonstration of fair play and Olympic values during this evening's marathon."
Last July, Horan ran on to the main straight at the Silverstone grand prix as Formula 1 cars sped around the circuit. He was subsequently handed a two-month prison sentence.
In light of the latest stunt, Fine Gael's foreign affairs spokesman Mr Gay Mitchell has called on the Government to look at suspending his passport.