– Ryan Bailey reports from the Olympic Velodrome, Rio de Janeiro
EOGHAN CLIFFORD SECURED Ireland’s second Paralympic medal of the day as he timed his charge to perfection to claim bronze in the C3 Individual Pursuit.
The 35-year-old, a three-time world champion, pipped Canada’s Michael Sametz in a head-to-head battle at the Olympic Velodrome tonight, claiming a commanding victory in the bronze medal race over 3km.
Clifford, battling with a degenerative muscle disease, pulled away from Sametz and was 2.4 seconds ahead at the 2km mark.
Although his opponent made up ground on the final few laps, Clifford had enough left in the tank to cross in a time of 3:40.201.
The winning margin was more than a second as he added a superb Paralympic bronze to his already impressive collection.
Gold was won by David Nicholas of Australia with America’s Joe Berenyi having to settle for silver.
Clifford, who only took up the sport two years ago, sneaked through to the bronze medal race from this morning’s qualifiers and while he admitted he wasn’t here to come third, it will be a major boost ahead of his road race and time trial next week.
It capped a brilliant day for Ireland in Rio after Jason Smyth stormed to his third straight T13 100m gold earlier.
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Shane Lowry is a breath of fresh air when it comes to professional sport. Nothing scripted, always honest.
It would be great to see him win the Claret jug.
He has a good chance mick of lifting it! Might do a cheeky bet on him
Lowry is always worth a cheeky fiver e/w
Well said shane! Most of us go for a kickaround on the astro once a week, why shouldnt rory! Nike might give him a boot deal when they’re at it!
Had the pleasure to be in Shanes company for dinner once ..hes a true gent and always talks sense ..Unlucky Rory
Sure he could have done that if he slipped in the bath. He can’t wrap him self in cotton wool.
Lowry himself had a freak injury about 4 years ago. Rumour has it that he fell down the stairs in Coppers! Not sure if true or not. Obviously not quite on the same level but these guys can’t be wrapped in cotton wool. They need to have some semblance of normality in their lives.
Still though it’s crazy timing. The Open at St. Andrews in THE major that everyone wants.
Shane likes a night out. Met him once out in Dublin on a night out. Sound fella.
Accidents happen no matter what, he’s only trying to enjoy himself with his mates. Lowry is talking a lot of sense, as per usual.
I have spoke to same who said what was he thinking the week before the open? what’s your view?
I know the Open is a major, but he is nearly always a week away from some tournament. Why not have a kick around? Sure you can injure yourself walking down the stairs.
that was my view but others seem to think what was he at
Buffon or Toldo. Can’t remember which Italian keeper it was…. but he knocked a shaving gel can on his foot and broke a bone a month before a world cup. sh#t happens.
it was Canizarès the ex Valencia/Spanish Goalie,
Apparently he wasn’t even bring tackled when it happened. It’s just hard luck. He can’t be expected to beat balls all day.