CYCLING: "He has used his talent to the utmost and beyond," says Paul Asaro Snr of his son.
Paul Asaro has taken holidays from his job with Credit Swiss Asset Management to compete in a 40 km bicycle race in the games.
He has been working with the company for two years as a mail clerk and he had to buy extra holiday days from the company so he could extend his stay.
His father said the job has been very important for his self-esteem and he has been very focused and very determined.
Paul who is representing team USA Mid Atlantic, says he is like a car. "I've got my dangers and I look at the other riders and I stick with them."
Larry Kolwaite, a coach with the USA Mid Atlantic team says he admires the cyclists' determination. Whatever the weather they arrive to their training session.
Ruth Hochstrasser, a 23-year-old cyclist with the US South East delegation, says she trains by cycling, running and going to the gym, and she does not think the 40 km race is too difficult.
Yesterday's races started with the one km time trials followed by the 40 km road race. Ruth went on to win gold in the competition.
The cyclists raced around a 2.7 km section of road in the Phoenix Park. A total of 150 cyclists are taking part in the races ranging from 500 metre time trials to the 40 km road race.
Irish scouts escorted winners to the podiums yesterday to receive their medals.Henri Roemer, UEFA executive committee member, presented the medals.
Paul came fourth in the 40 km race. He was beaten by Steven Njagu (20) from the USA Great Lakes team who won gold.