Pat leaps to bronze at World Transplant Games

A delighted Pat O’Sullivan pictured after winning a bronze medal for the long jump at the World Transplant Games in Malaga, Spain.

The importance of organ donation was highlighted last week when Pat O’Sulli-van from Mallow won a bronze medal at the World Transplant Games, less than two years after getting a life-saving kidney trans-plant. Pat, a Regional Manager for Irish Rail, underwent a kidney trans-plant in August 2015, and travelled to Malaga two weeks ago as part of the Ireland team at the World Games where he picked up a bronze medal in the long jump event. He was also scheduled to take part in the 100m and 200m sprint races, but was ruled out of these after a groin injury while attempting his first long jump. The injury made his second and third attempts very difficult, but he pulled out a big effort for his third and final jump which saw him leap into the bronze medal placings.
Speaking afterwards, the father of two said, “The event was tough but I’m delighted with how it went. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my donor. It’s all thanks to them. I’m thrilled to be going home with a bronze world medal. I’m loving my first Games and the camaraderie bet-ween everyone. The team and supporters are fantastic. Everyone comes together. I hope to be able to attend many more Games.”
Pat returned home to Dublin Airport with the team on Sunday evening, and their reception at the airport was captured for the television news bulletins that evening.
It is a wonderful story, being given a second chance at life, thanks to the gift of organ donation, and everyone reading this is asked to sign and carry a donor card with them at all times.