Equestrian: Irish showjumper accepts loss of Olympic gold

Irish showjumper Cian O'Connor said today he will not challenge a decision by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to strip him of his country's only gold medal from last year's Athens Olympics.

"It would perhaps be possible to retain the gold medal by appealing," O'Connor said in a statement. "However, in the best interests of the sport and to avoid further controversy, I have decided to accept the FEI decision."

The sport's governing body last month disqualified O'Connor from the 2004 Olympics and handed him a three-month ban after finding that the presence of human drugs in his horse, Waterford Crystal, constituted a breach of regulations.

The FEI's judicial committee ruled, however, that he had not been involved in a deliberate attempt to affect the performance of the horse.

"The overall process I have engaged in to date was essentially about clearing my good name and thankfully this has been achieved," O'Connor said. "Obviously the loss of a gold medal is a major disappointment for me personally and indeed for the people of Ireland."

Silver medallist Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil will now receive the gold medal with Chris Kappler of the United States elevated to silver and Marco Kutscher of Germany in bronze.

- REUTERS