Katie-George Dunlevy and co-pilot Eve McCrystal had a magical finale in store for them, serving as an illustration that sometimes, fairy-tales can come to fruition. After cooling off on stationary bicycles at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome on a sunny Sunday morning, they realised their astonishing time of 3:20.481 on the large screens overhead had propelled them into the final round for the coveted gold medal. Their stellar performance in the B 3,000m individual pursuit had assured them of at least a silver medal.
Upon absorbing this news, they were initially taken aback, delighted and moved. Although they had aspired to conclude their journey in such a grand fashion, they were somewhat cynical due to the numerous past obstacles both in their career and personal lives. But at the moment the results were announced, their emotions overwhelmed them, especially for McCrystal who was unable to hold back her tears, despite her efforts to regain composure. It was a testament to what this achievement signified – it meant everything to them.
“Katie-George had been ill”, McCrystal shed some light with teary eyes. “She mentioned this morning that she was unwell. As her partner, I knew I had to share the burden, regardless of my own state.” she further explained, sobbing. “Throughout our partnership, we’ve staunchly supported each other amid injuries, always striving to give that extra push which might otherwise not exist. Today probably ranks as the most nerve-racking day of my life”, admitted McCrystal.
As a single mother who has grappled with personal grief and strived through a decade of persistence in balancing work and child-rearing responsibilities, the road has been dauntingly harsh. Yet through these bitter trials I’ve mustered the strength to retire, filled with unshakeable pride. Despite being the rock in this relationship, I confess to feeling overwhelmingly emotional.
During such a poignant moment, many wondered whether composure could be restored in time for a stellar performance in the impending final, barely two hours away. And they proved them wrong indeed.
McCrystal relayed, post deciding contest, that although the aim for gold came close, she is overwhelmingly delighted with procuring silver.
She took a moment to acknowledge the unsung heroes, the people working behind the scenes. Unreserved gratitude was expressed towards them for their irreplaceable roles that made it possible for them to stand at the pedestal with medals gleaming at their chests.
The journey of Irish cycling resonates with some conspicuous hues of the Cool Runnings saga, with Irish riders spontaneously taking part in major tournaments across global velodromes and garnering victorious medals. The anticipation has been immense but not unfulfilled, with two velodromes in the pipeline.
For those who have not savoured the experience of a velodrome, it resembles a humongous sauna. Decked in complete apparel, revel in an auditory treat of pulsating dance music intertwined with an increasing temperature gradient that the riders eagerly await.
The onlookers in Paris seemed to be aptly equipped for this sauna-like confrontation with compact electrical fans. The local crowd opted for the conventional Brisé fan, exuding an effortlessly cool and sweat-free aura.
The contrasting Irish crowd in the velodrome was represented by their red flushed faces, occasionally exchanging baffled glances, questioning why someone wouldn’t simply crack a window open.
McCrystal’s daughters, Ava (16) and Nessa (14), were also part of the Irish assemblage.
“As far back as when my children were born, they’ve observed me diligently practicing with turbo trainers daily in our kitchen”, McCrystal, a full-time guard based in Dundalk, adds on to her previous statements.
Even at the age of 46, the resilience, determination, and the culmination of our hard work shining as a medal is beyond articulation. Dunlevy and McCrystal’s road race game, which marks the end of their partnership, caught the attention of everyone in the vicinity. Their loved ones, gathered trackside, couldn’t contain their applause as the duo approached.
The pair, despite being in their 40s and competing against individuals in their 20s, have maintained a lively and youthful spirit. Observing my father shedding tears of joy is a rare moment that I am immensely thankful for, smiles Dunlevy.
Notably, the most comprehensive track performance over the past ten years was during the Sunday qualifications, where Dunlevy and McCrystal secured a second place. McCrystal attests that despite not setting a national record, it was their best ride together.
The pioneering para cycling team, who have not only bagged medals but also revolutionised perspectives and reshaped the field, is unimaginable without the pairing of Dunlevy and McCrystal. The duo dedicated every single day for the past ten years, training six days a week without wavering a bit.
Their final day in the saddle together was as exceptional as their unwavering commitment. Ultimately, the remarkable cyclists, Katie-George Dunlevy and Eve McCrystal, had their wonderful journey capped with a silver edge.