O'Connor: Time to move on from Athens
Cian O'Connor has said it is "time to move on" from the controversy surrounding his performance at the Athens Olympics.
He had to hand back a showjumping medal eight years ago after his horse Waterford Crystal tested positive for banned substances after they had won the top prize in their event in Athens.
The Kildare man won bronze for Ireland in London yesterday, after a late call to the men's Individual Jump final at London 2012 when a rival horse failed an inspection.
O'Connor and his horse Blue Loyd 12 were first reserve after being knocked out in the final qualifying round.
He said he would not have been sent to London if officials were not happy that he was a fit candidate.
"People will have their point of view and there's nothing I can do about that," he said, "but when you make a mistake you pay your price and you move on.
"If you're in good standing with your federation and you've served your time, it's time to move on."
Meanwhile, the head of Ireland's showjumping team has spoken of his pride in Cian O'Connor's success yesterday.
Chef d'Equipe Robert Splaine said he was delighted with the result, even though he believed Ireland were good enough to bag gold or silver.
"To get a medal at all at this level is an absolutely unbelievable achievement," he said. "I'm walking around the Olympic village in Greenwich and I'm absolutely thrilled for my country and very, very proud."
