source: Heart of Gold
Known as The Great Man, Portuguese Gold Medallist at the 1984 Olympic Marathon Carlos Lopes, has inspired millions the world over through his attitude to never give up. Back in 1984, a ten-year old boy was so taken by the heroics of Carlos Lopes that he became a supporter of the runner until his recent premature death.
Rory Byrne woke up in the early hours of one summers morning 26 years ago to watch Irelands John Treacy compete in the Olympic Marathon in 1984.
But the Irish runner was beaten into second by Portugal Carlos Lopes in one of the greatest Olympic marathons and Rory from then onwards became a huge fan of the sport and the Portuguese runner. In 2002, Rory Byrne ran a very competitive time of 2:28 at the Dublin City Marathon.
Three years later, he developed a brain tumour and was treated as an outpatient at the London Bridge Hospital until the autumn of 2009.
It was then that specialists realised that chemotherapy was no longer working for him and told him no further treatment was available to him.
Speaking to The Portugal News, Rorys father, Seamus Byrne, recalls how his son had Completely lost his sight and was virtually paralysed.
But just as his hero Carlos Lopes, who left to compete in the Olympics a day after sustaining injuries in Lisbon after being run over, Rory never lost hope of making a full recovery and remained positive throughout his ordeal.
Less than a year before he died, he had his best athletic performance of 66 minutes for a half marathon.
Up to June 2009 he was training for the Dublin City Marathon in October, and was expecting a personal best time.
According to his father, Rory was a brilliant mathematician and had a very successful career in banking in London.
During the time he was ill, his former boss Mr. Anti Illman, would visit him on a weekly basis.
They spoke regularly about athletics and in particular about his hero Carlos Lopes. His passion for the sport was further highlighted by the fact that many of the passwords he handed over to his boss on his deathbed contained the words Carlos Lopes and 1984.
Anti Illamn, was so touched by his employees courage and adoration of Carlos Lopes, he decided to contact a Portuguese colleague, António Caçorino, to request a letter from Carlos wishing Rory well, knowing it would mean the world to Rory.
But when Carlos Lopes was asked to sign a letter, he refused, instead insisting on flying to London as soon as possible to visit Rory at his home.
On Tuesday 15th December he visited the house at 2.30 p.m. and stayed with Rory until 4pm, his tearful father recalls.
He presented him with a Carlos Lopes Foundation Medallion and two framed autographed photographs. Both men spoke about athletics through an interpreter for the duration of the visit.
Prior to Carlos Lopes flying over to London, Rory had not spoken with anyone for almost a week.
At the time, Carlos Lopes declined the offer of publicity, but Rorys parents have since decided to make the story public.
We feel we need to tell the world about what Carlos Lopes did for our son, explained Seamus Byrne.
Just five days after Carlos Lopes visit, at the age of 35, Rory died.
On behalf of his wife Brenda, his son Cianan, extended family and many friends we would like to acknowledge the great generosity of such a fine athlete. His visit to Rory will never be forgotten. We would also like to thank all those who made it happen, Mr Byrne said.
Known as The Great Man, Portuguese Gold Medallist at the 1984 Olympic Marathon Carlos Lopes, has inspired millions the world over through his attitude to never give up. Back in 1984, a ten-year old boy was so taken by the heroics of Carlos Lopes that he became a supporter of the runner until his recent premature death.
Rory Byrne woke up in the early hours of one summers morning 26 years ago to watch Irelands John Treacy compete in the Olympic Marathon in 1984.
But the Irish runner was beaten into second by Portugal Carlos Lopes in one of the greatest Olympic marathons and Rory from then onwards became a huge fan of the sport and the Portuguese runner. In 2002, Rory Byrne ran a very competitive time of 2:28 at the Dublin City Marathon.
Three years later, he developed a brain tumour and was treated as an outpatient at the London Bridge Hospital until the autumn of 2009.
It was then that specialists realised that chemotherapy was no longer working for him and told him no further treatment was available to him.
Speaking to The Portugal News, Rorys father, Seamus Byrne, recalls how his son had Completely lost his sight and was virtually paralysed.
But just as his hero Carlos Lopes, who left to compete in the Olympics a day after sustaining injuries in Lisbon after being run over, Rory never lost hope of making a full recovery and remained positive throughout his ordeal.
Less than a year before he died, he had his best athletic performance of 66 minutes for a half marathon.
Up to June 2009 he was training for the Dublin City Marathon in October, and was expecting a personal best time.
According to his father, Rory was a brilliant mathematician and had a very successful career in banking in London.
During the time he was ill, his former boss Mr. Anti Illman, would visit him on a weekly basis.
They spoke regularly about athletics and in particular about his hero Carlos Lopes. His passion for the sport was further highlighted by the fact that many of the passwords he handed over to his boss on his deathbed contained the words Carlos Lopes and 1984.
Anti Illamn, was so touched by his employees courage and adoration of Carlos Lopes, he decided to contact a Portuguese colleague, António Caçorino, to request a letter from Carlos wishing Rory well, knowing it would mean the world to Rory.
But when Carlos Lopes was asked to sign a letter, he refused, instead insisting on flying to London as soon as possible to visit Rory at his home.
On Tuesday 15th December he visited the house at 2.30 p.m. and stayed with Rory until 4pm, his tearful father recalls.
He presented him with a Carlos Lopes Foundation Medallion and two framed autographed photographs. Both men spoke about athletics through an interpreter for the duration of the visit.
Prior to Carlos Lopes flying over to London, Rory had not spoken with anyone for almost a week.
At the time, Carlos Lopes declined the offer of publicity, but Rorys parents have since decided to make the story public.
We feel we need to tell the world about what Carlos Lopes did for our son, explained Seamus Byrne.
Just five days after Carlos Lopes visit, at the age of 35, Rory died.
On behalf of his wife Brenda, his son Cianan, extended family and many friends we would like to acknowledge the great generosity of such a fine athlete. His visit to Rory will never be forgotten. We would also like to thank all those who made it happen, Mr Byrne said.
