Ireland's campaign at the 2000 Paralympics got off to a disappointing start yesterday when Tim Culhane was knocked out of judo's 66kg class in the early stages.
Culhane, who is both visually impaired and deaf, appeared to be in a good position after a favourable draw gave him a bye into the first round, so that just two victories would guarantee him at least a silver medal.
With a string of promising results behind him, including an 11th place finish in Atlanta four years ago, the 22-year-old was entitled to be confident. He faced the Russian Oleg Chabachov, who was not considered the favourite in the group, but was just too powerful on the day.
An early slip meant Culhane fell behind to a waza-ari, one of judo's higher-ranking scores, and try as he might the Irishman could not force a way through the impressive defence and spoiling tactics of his opponent.
"It's like being 3-0 down in football," Culhane explained. "You're just chasing from there on in."
The pair grappled and sparred but the Russian always looked in control. With just half a minute remaining desperation saw the Irishman fall into Chabachov's vice-like hold. There was to be no escape, the buzzer sounding with seven seconds on the clock to signify the Russian's victory.
Culhane could still have won a bronze medal in the repechage, but the bout came less than 10 minutes after his energy-sapping tangle with the Russian and, visibly tired, he was swiftly beaten. It was a strangle hold that did the damage, the American Marlon Lopez using Culhane's own robes to choke his windpipe, forcing him to submit.
Culhane said he was determined to bounce back. "I'll have to get a bit stronger," he said. "They're all very strong out there. I'll need to do more weights for the next time."
Today is a much busier day for the Irish team with eight competitors in action. Among these is swimmer David Malone, one of the stronger members and a silver medal-winner from Atlanta.
The 22-year-old competes in three events in the Games, the first of which will be the 200 metres Individual Medley.
