1 week Ago By Vincent Whelan
IRISH Para cyclist Martin Gordon has announced his retirement after a career where he featured in two Paralympic Games. The Sligo native lost his sight at the age of 17 from a rare glaucoma complication. This eventually prompted his path into Para cycling that culminated in him competing in the 2020 and 2024 Games.
Alongside Eamonn Byrne, he came fifth in the men's 1km Time Trial B at the rescheduled Games in Tokyo. There was also a silver medal at a 2018 UCI Track World Cup event. This summer's outing saw him and new companion rider Eoin Mullen set a new national record in the men’s B 1,000m time trial while placing fifth.
This was all the more impressive considering they'd suffered a painful crash a few days previously. That gritty performance saw them honoured at the Paralympics Ireland Paris 2024 Ball which was held on October 24. The pair jointly accepted the Aer Lingus Outstanding Male Contribution Award.
In his retirement statement the solicitor expressed gratitude to all those who helped them to pursue Para cycling to the nth degree. He reflected: “Growing up I looked up to people like Roy Keane and Keith Wood and just like so many others I too imagined what it must be like to wear the green of Ireland. “For the past number of years, I have had the joy of knowing what that feels like and I get to carry that for the rest of my life.
“Paris was without doubt the highlight of my cycling career and what better place and time to bring that career to a close. "It has been such an honour and privilege to have been part of Team Ireland at two Paralympic Games. “I would like to thank all those who have been part of what has been an incredible part of my life.
"As this great chapter of my life finishes, I look forward to hopefully the next great thing finding me. “I would like to pay special tribute to my partner Louise and our daughter Nora for their support and encouragement not to mention their patience. "My parents Ronald and Margaret for supporting and motivating me throughout my life and my strength and conditioning coach, Noel Murphy who made me the very best athlete I could be.
“I wish all those athletes and their coaches who remain part of Team Ireland every success and to the up and coming athletes. "I hope your dream comes true in LA and Brisbane.” All the while, the 39-year-old had balanced his job within the legal branch of An Garda Síochána with his training commitments.
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