Against a background of so many international crises, the Paris Olympics have been a welcome reminder of the potential of the human race rather than its failures. Wonder and admiration may not have have replaced cynicism and anger, but they have highlighted how sporting achievement has a special ability to lift our spirits.
Ireland’s Olympic squad can take part in tomorrow’s closing ceremony knowing that they were an integral part of that huge success and also the most successful group to have ever represented the country. Some of the greatest moments in the nation’s rich sporting history were provided by the 133 women and men in green who competed in France. Every Olympics has its unforgettable performances but it’s rare for Irish athletes to provide so many of those inspiring displays.
The sheer brilliance of Kellie Harrington in winning back-to-back gold medals in boxing was matched by the total control of Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy in completing the same achievement in rowing. These victories were complemented by two new members of the very select group of 15 Irish Olympic gold medal winners with gymnast Rhys McClenaghan delivering poise and perfection in the pommel horse final and Daniel Wiffen belying his relative youth with a measured and masterful victory in the 800 metres freestyle swimming final.
These superb victories have commanded most attention but they should not overshadow the other gifted Irish medal winners – swimmer Mona McSharry and rowers Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch. And having watched the brave fourth place run on Friday night by Rhasidat Adeleke, the public will tune in on Saturday to cheer on the women’s 4x400 metres relay team. It will be the last act in a common experience which has dominated the national conversation for the past few weeks.
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Achievements of this scale on sports greatest stage are a combination of talent, supreme dedication and outstanding coaching. But providing sufficient financial resources to allow the best to thrive at an elite level is also critical. Few would argue that the estimated cost of €89 million spent over the last four years on Ireland’s Olympians and Paralympians was not money well spent. The spin-off benefits of creating a new generation of inspiring role models are immense.
The Paris Olympics were always likely to be special but not many would have predicted that the spectacle the world has been treated to in France would exceed all expectations. Brilliant arenas, magnificent Parisian backdrops and passionate support have inspired the world’s best athletes to deliver a truly memorable Olympics. Coming from all corners of the country – north, south, east and west – the Irish team took its place in this great sporting pageant, providing some unforgettable moments.