|
|
Our Olympics 'Golden Boy' still
smiling
10.09.12
by Linda McGrory
HE IS the quintessential 'Golden Boy' who warmed the
hearts of a nation when he triumphed for Team
Ireland at the Special Olympics in 2003.
Nearly a decade on, Bryan Doran, who suffered severe
brain injuries in a freak road accident, is still
competing, still winning and still smiling.
The young Newtowncunningham man, who turns 20 in
December, won Special Olympic Gold during Ireland's
star turn as host in June of 2003.
He took the top honours in the softball throwing
competition and also won Bronze in the 25m sprint.
The youngster's gutsy performances, striking blonde
hair and winning smile attracted the cameras and
captured the spirit of the Games.
"When I came home with my medals everyone came out
to see me. I was up on a lorry and I was looking out
at all the people. It was the best day of my life,"
he beamed.
Bryan and his family have suffered more than their
fair share of tragedy.
He was left with permanent brain injuries aged five,
when two rear wheels came off a passing articulated
lorry as the family were out walking in August 1998.
His 15 year old sister, Denise, died in the
accident. |
 |
|
Special Olympian Bryan Doran hugs his
beloved dad, Peter. |
Five years later, while
making his Special Olympics debut, few knew that his
beloved mother, Noreen, was battling skin cancer.
She died two months after the Games at the age of
47.
Bryan also made headlines outside the sports pages
in 2003 when the High Court awarded him €3 million
in damages for his injuries.
Devoted dad Peter (56) says the compensation
"secured Bryan's future" and affords him the
services of two personal assistants. He also has a
home help and independent living supports. It
allowed the family, including his brothers Darren
(23), Philip (15) and sister Stacey (22), to move
out of their small terraced house. Home now is a
spacious stone-clad property, set on two acres
overlooking Lough Swilly. Peter, a former painter
and decorator, now works full time in the home,
caring for the family.
"The new house makes life easier for us. It gives
Bryan plenty of freedom and space for his
activities. It gives us peace and quiet and
privacy," said Peter. He added that, as a ward of
court, Bryan's compensation pay-out is meticulously
controlled by the authorities. |
 |
|
Bryan loves to compete whether it's
running, kayaking or bowling. |
Meanwhile, he says he
can't keep up with his energetic son who remains
heavily involved in Special Olympics. "Bryan's
always on the go whether it's gymnastics, kayaking,
bowling or running. He's a real outdoor character.”
His latest passion is golf. "Golf is my favourite
and I can hit a ball 160 yards," added Bryan, who
attends a training centre for people with
intellectual disabilities five days a week.
He also loves pets and has three dogs - Rocky, Blade
and JJ - and a stray cat with no name yet. The
chatty boy with the golden hair and broad smile can
light up a room. And he dotes on the father who has
suffered so much. "My dad means the world to me." |
|
