Marathon victim: I'd love to come to Ireland

The Brazilian runner obstructed by a rebel Kerry priest in the Olympic marathon said he would “love” to come to Ireland and “hug” his family.

Vanderlei De Lima was in gold medal position in the closing stages when Fr Neil Horan leaped on him and wrestled him into the crowd.

De Lima, who recovered and took a bronze, said today he would “love to go” to the Dublin City Marathon on October 25 as a special guest of the nation. But he said he would probably not be able to compete.

He told RTÉ Radio One’s Liveline programme: “I know that the people of Ireland feel very bad about the incident. I will do everything possible to be there.”

De Lima said he forgave suspended priest Horan, who received a one-year suspended sentence this week for sabotaging the race in his red kilt and knee-socks.

Horan, who also ran on to the British Grand Prix racetrack last year, claimed he planned Sunday’s stunt in Athens to “draw attention to the Bible“.

But De Lima said: “I bear no rancour at all. I feel no begrudgery against the man who stopped me.”

“I went into the marathon with the intention of winning the marathon. I can’t say I would have won it because that would be presumptuous.

“I had all the determination to win for my country.”

Sports Minister John Donoghue congratulated de Lima on winning a bronze medal and hoped he could come to Ireland where the Government could make a presentation to him.

“The incident is a cause of deep regret to everybody in Ireland, which is a great sporting nation. It’s a travesty. It’s possible that he would have won a gold medal if he wasn’t interfered with.

“The Government will not be found wanting in seeking to recompense de Lima.”

Responding to these comments, de Lima said: “I’m very thrilled and I want to do everything I can to make it to Ireland.

Olympic Council of Ireland president Pat Hickey said of the marathon incident: “I never felt so ashamed in my life.”

Fr Horan’s brother, Dan from Co Kerry said his family had been through “a very difficult week“.

He added: “If he does come to Ireland I will look forward to meeting him and making a presentation to him on behalf of the Horan family.”

De Lima replied: “I accept the apology. This is the path that God has chosen for me. I look forward to meeting the Horan family and will give them a hug.”

Fr Horan had a history of interrupting international sports events. He ran on to the track at the British Grand Prix formula one race last year as cars whizzed by and had to be forcibly removed.