The Brazilian runner obstructed by suspended Irish priest Father Neil Horan in the Olympic marathon said he would "love" to come to Ireland.
Vanderlei De Lima was in gold medal position with just four miles to go in Sunday's marathon when Father Horan leaped on him and wrestled him into the crowd.
De Lima, who recovered and took a bronze, said today he would "love to go" to the Dublin City Marathon on October 25th as a special guest of the nation. But he said he would probably not be able to compete.
He told RTÉ Radio One's Liveline programme: "I know that the people of Ireland feel very bad about the incident. I will do everything possible to be there."
De Lima said he forgave Father Horan, who received a suspended sentence this week for sabotaging the race in his red kilt and knee-socks.
Father Horan, who also ran on to the British Grand Prix racetrack last year, claimed he planned Sunday's stunt in Athens to "draw attention to the Bible" and to highlight the second coming of Christ.
De Lima tried to recover but was passed two miles later by the Italian Stefano Baldini, who went on to win the gold medal. The International Olympic Committee, recognising the injustice, presented him with their special Pierre de Coubertin medal in recognition of an "exceptional demonstration of fair play and Olympic values".
Father Horan said yesterday he would do an Irish dance for de Lima in the same flamboyant outfit he wore to stage the Athens stunt. "I want to dance for him in the same costume I wore for the marathon - I hope it will be quite appropriate. I sincerely hope that he will appreciate it."
De Lima said: "I bear no rancour at all. I feel no begrudgery against the man who stopped me.
"I went into the marathon with the intention of winning the marathon. I can't say I would have won it because that would be presumptuous.
"I had all the determination to win for my country."
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr O'Donoghue, congratulated de Lima on winning a bronze medal and hoped he could come to Ireland where the Government could make a special presentation to him.
"The incident is a cause of deep regret to everybody in Ireland, which is a great sporting nation. It's a travesty. It's possible that he would have won a gold medal if he wasn't interfered with.
"The Government will not be found wanting in seeking to recompense de Lima."
Responding to these comments, de Lima said: "I'm very thrilled and I want to do everything I can to make it to Ireland."
The president of the Olympic Council of Ireland, Mr Pat Hickey, said of the marathon incident: "I never felt so ashamed in my life."
Father Horan's brother, Dan, said his family in Co Kerry had been through "a very difficult week".
He added: "If he does come to Ireland I will look forward to meeting him and making a presentation to him on behalf of the Horan family."
De Lima replied: "I accept the apology. This is the path that God has chosen for me. I look forward to meeting the Horan family and will give them a hug."