Determined Lynch looking to future

Show jumper Denis Lynch yesterday said he had “learned an incredible amount” about himself and others as a result of the loss of his Olympic place and subsequent dismissal of his appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

In a statement yesterday, the German-based Tipperary native said he was now turning his attention to matters inside the arena.

“I am more determined than ever to achieve results now. I have learned an incredible amount about myself and others over these last few weeks. My immediate goals are to once again return to the top 10 in the world and consolidate or improve on my position as number two on the Global Champions Tour,” said Lynch, who thanked his supporters, saying: “I fully intend to justify that support over the coming months and years.”

Lynch had taken his fight to the CAS ad-hoc division, set up to adjudicate on issues relating to the Games, after Horse Sport Ireland withdrew his nomination as a result of his horse Lantinus being disqualified at the nations cup show at Aachen, Germany, due to its legs being hypersensitive.

However, following a five-hour hearing last Saturday night, a three-man CAS panel decided on Sunday the court had no jurisdiction over the case, as the dispute had arisen prior to the ad-hoc division’s pre-Olympic, 10-day deadline.

“Naturally, I was extremely disappointed I did not get a hearing from an independent panel as I felt I had a very strong case. It never even got off the ground due to this legal technicality,” said Lynch. “I had also flown from La Coruna [Spain] to London on Saturday to be present at the hearing which meant I was not able to compete in the grand prix in La Coruna. Double disappointment, to say the least.”

The 36-year-old, one of four show jumpers disqualified from the 2008 Olympics, noted that qualification for the Games in itself was a privilege.

“I would like to thank my family, friends, and supporters for all their support... It has meant an awful lot during a very difficult time for me.

“To the Irish athletes who have competed in the Olympics already, I would like to congratulate them on qualifying. I fully appreciate, having myself spent over 14 months winning Olympic qualification points to secure Ireland an individual equestrian place, just how difficult it can be and what an achievement it is just to qualify and compete against the world’s best. We should all be very proud of them.

“I would also like to wish all of the Irish athletes/teams who are competing or about to compete the very best of luck.”

Lynch’s replacement, Cian O’Connor, and Billy Twomey carry Irish hopes in the show jumping competition, which begins on Saturday.