Irish gymnast Kieran Behan has been given a much-needed cash boost as he steps up his preparation for London 2012.
The 22-year-old became only the second Irish gymnast in history to book his place at an Olympic Games at the London Prepares test event earlier this month and has been rewarded with a
cheque for €20,000 from the Olympic Council of Ireland.
Behan was twice told he might never walk again after a tumour was removed from his leg when he was 10 years old before a freak training accident two years later left him with brain damage.
It meant he had to relearn how to do simple things such as sitting and moving his head and left him unable to train for three years.
However, the determined self-funded gymnast battled back and was crowned 2011 World Cup floor champion, with Olympic qualification capping an impressive year.
Pat Hickey, President of the Olympic Council of Ireland, who presented Behan with the cheque in
Dublin, believes he will be an inspiration during the Games.
"Kieran has shown fantastic grit, courage and determination to reach his Olympic goal and is a stunning addition to Ireland's challenge for Olympic success in London," Hickey told www.olympicsport.ie.
"He has a winning attitude that will inspire both the Irish Olympic team members and the public at large. He will do Ireland proud, that's for sure".
Behan will follow in the footsteps of Irish gymnast Barry McDonald, who competed at the 1996 Games in Atlanta as a wildcard.
Behan said at the time of his Olympic qualification: "To think years and years ago I was told 'you're never going to be able to walk again let alone do gymnastics', to find out I'm going to the Olympic Games is something that dreams are made of.
"It's going to be fantastic to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games. It is what dreams are made of."
