Torch lit by Olympian tackled by Fr Horan

THE Brazilian Marathon runner notoriously tackled by de-frocked Kerry priest Neil Horan during the 2004 Athen’s Olympics was given the honour of lighting the Olympic Flame at the Rio Olympics opening ceremony on Friday night.

Vanderlei de Lima was leading the 2004 men’s Marathon by about 30 seconds when Horan – who was attempting to publicise his apocalyptic beliefs – ran onto the course and pushed de Lima into the crowd.

Though de Lima recovered and finished third – winning a bronze medal – many commentators believe Horan’s actions cost the Brazilian a Gold medal.

The incident shocked the world and earned de Lima enormous sympathy worldwide.

After the race de Lima was award the Pierre de Coubetain medal for sportsmanship and he was named Brazil’s athlete of the year in 2004.

Horan – who had previously run on to the track during the 2003 British Grand Prix at Silverstone – was defrocked in 2005.

When Brazilian soccer legend Pele announced he was too ill to light the Flame at Friday’s ceremony the organiser’s invited de Lima to take his place and light the Olympic cauldron.

A magnanimous de Lima – who famously marked his Bronze medal Marathon finish with a celebratory dance – has said his medal may be bronze but it will always be gold to him.

Speaking after Friday’s ceremony an unrepentant Horan – who says he is angry de Lima never accepted his two letters of apology – told the New York

Times that the runner wouldn’t be famous if it weren’t for him.

Vanderlei de Lima lights the Olympic torch att ththe RiRio 2016’ openingi ceremony. (Inset) Neil Horan’s infamous tackle on the athlete in the closing stages of the Athens 2004 Olympic marathon.