Noble makes Olympic starting line

Ireland’s number 1 ranked male triathlete, Fermanagh man Gavin Noble, has made it to the London Olympics and in so doing becomes the first Irish male to compete at the Olympic Games at the event. His place was secured after the International triathlon at Madrid over the weekend. This race was the final point scoring opportunity before the Games and with Noble sitting in 44th place with the top 55 qualifying he was in a comfortable position.
The race was particularly brutal and with Noble struggling with an injury he had to settle for a place in the second chase pack but as the race wore to a finish it became clear that results were going Noble’s way regardless of how he was going to finish. So with his place at London secured Noble was pulled from the race by his coaches.
Now comes a hard two months training and rehab on his injured leg ahead of the 2012 Olympics in London. Noble has achieved a lifelong ambition but after the race he was aware that his achievement was appreciated by more than just himself;
“ Of course London was my drive and motivation but it is also an event that rewards my supporters, my friends and family, my coaches, sponsors and Triathlon Ireland. I will be out there on the day but it also is a window for many more people other than just me to have an Olympic experience.”