Irish Olympian Emmet Brennan's Tokyo Olympics story had a very happy ending despite his defeat in the boxing ring at the weekend.
The inspirational Dubliner revealed ahead of the rescheduled Games in Japan that he had taken out loans from the Credit Union, after quitting his job, to achieve his dream of representing Ireland at an Olympic Games.
Brennan put in a huge effort in his men's light-heavyweight bout against Uzbek boxer Dilshodbek Ruzmetov, who is champion of Asia and a world silver medalist.
Ruzmetov won by unanimous decision to progress to the last-16 of the event.
25 July 2021; Emmet Brennan of Ireland, red, in action against Dilshod Ruzmetov of Uzbekistan during the Men's Light Heavyweight Round of 32 at the Kokugikan Arena during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/SportsfileBrennan gave an emotional interview after the fight and was asked again about the loans he took out to make it to Tokyo but on Monday he revealed that those loans had been cleared.
"I am aware there has been a GoFundMe page set up for me to pay back a loan I took out to fund my training," Brennan wrote in a Twitter post.
"I did not set up or have anything to do with the GoFundMe page, although it was set up in good faith.
"The loan has been paid back in full by a sponsor of mine. I appreciate everyone putting money into this, but I cannot accept this.
"I am trying to get everyone refunded as soon as possible."
2/2 The loan has been paid back in full by a sponsor of mine.
I appreciate everyone putting money into this, but I cannot accept this. I am trying to get everyone refunded as soon as possible.— Emmet Brennan OLY (@emmetbrennan91) July 26, 2021
Social media was awash with messages of support for Brennan including the singer and musician, and north Dublin city neighbour Gemma Dunleavy.
"You've inspired EVERYONE," Dunleavy said in her own Twitter post on Sunday adding, "Emmet Brennan, every kid in the area will be raving about you for years to come!"
"I hope my story inspired a kid or 2 as i wasn't good enough to be in this situation a few years ago and i worked relentlessly hard to get here" a kid or 2?! you've inspired EVERYONE @emmetbrennan91 Every kid in the area will be raving about you for years to come! <3 https://t.co/GXcMXVTWoZ
— gemma dunleavy (@gemmadunleavy1) July 25, 2021
Indeed are proud to support Team Ireland at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Indeed believes the world works better when people are given every opportunity to unleash their true talents.
#TalentUnleashed
