Behan defies the odds twice to seal Olympics slot

KIERAN BEHAN has become only the second Irish gymnast in history to qualify for an Olympic Games — an astonishing achievement given he was twice told he might never walk again.

The 22-year-old, who competed on Tuesday night at the London Prepares test event, found out yesterday he had secured 34th place as an individual and booked his place at London 2012.

It caps an impressive year for the self-funded Surrey-based gymnast, who was crowned 2011 World Cup floor champion, after he defied all the odds to continue his career.