Paralympian Martin Gordon Announces his Retirement from Para-Cycling
Martin Gordon and Eoin Mullen in action at the Paralympic Games in Paris this year
Image: Sportsfile
Sligo native Martin Gordon has officially announced his retirement from Para-cycling, marking the end of a remarkable journey that has included two Paralympic Games appearances. Most recently, he showcased his talent in Para-cycling at the Paris 2024 Games, where athletes from around the world competed on a global stage.
Gordon’s life took an unexpected turn at the age of 17 when he lost his sight due to complications from glaucoma. This life-altering event did not deter him; instead, it ignited a passion for sports that began with a charity cycle from Mizen to Malin Head to support Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Although he didn’t cover the entire challenging 466 km route, his first experience riding a tandem bike set in motion a path that would ultimately lead him to represent Ireland at the prestigious Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Initially paired with pilot Eamonn Byrne, Gordon made his international debut representing Ireland at the Para-cycling World Championships in 2017. The duo’s synergy was evident when they captured the Silver medal at the 2018 UCI Track World Cup in London. Their journey continued to thrive as they achieved a commendable fifth-place finish in the Men’s 1km Time Trial B at the Tokyo Games. Following a successful yet bittersweet Tokyo campaign, Byrne’s retirement paved the way for Gordon to team up with Eoin Mullen, creating a fresh and dynamic partnership.
Together, Gordon and Mullen secured a competitive fifth place at the 2023 World Championships in the Men’s Tandem Sprint event. During the Paris Games, despite facing a unfortunate crash just days prior to the competition, the duo displayed remarkable resilience, participating in two events: the Men’s B 4000m Individual Pursuit and the Men’s B 1,000m Time Trial. They not only set a new Irish Record but also finished an impressive fifth, showcasing their dedication and skill.
In recognition of their hard work and achievements, Martin Gordon and Eoin Mullen were presented with the Aer Lingus Outstanding Male Contribution Award at the recent Paralympics Ireland Paris 2024 Ball.
A graduate of Law from NUI Galway (now University of Galway) and Trinity College, Martin Gordon qualified as a barrister in 2010. He serves within the legal division of An Garda Síochána, an organization that has supported him in pursuing his dreams of competing at both the Paris and Tokyo Games. His achievements have made not only personal but also institutional impacts in raising the profile of adaptive sports.
Reflecting on his retirement, Martin Gordon shared heartfelt sentiments of gratitude for the unwavering support he received throughout his remarkable career:
“Growing up I looked up to people like Roy Keane and Keith Wood and just like so many others I too imagined what it must be like to wear the green of Ireland. For the past number of years, I have had the joy of knowing what that feels like and I get to carry that for the rest of my life.
“Paris was without doubt the highlight of my cycling career and what better place and time to bring that career to a close. It has been such an honour and privilege to have been part of Team Ireland at two Paralympic Games.
“I would like to thank all those who have been part of what has been an incredible part of my life. As this great chapter of my life finishes, I look forward to hopefully the next great thing finding me. I would like to pay special tribute to my partner Louise and our daughter Nora for their support and encouragement not to mention their patience, my parents Ronald and Margaret for supporting and motivating me throughout my life and my strength and conditioning coach, Noel Murphy who made me the very best athlete I could be.
“I wish all those athletes and their coaches who remain part of Team Ireland every success and to the up-and-coming athletes, I hope your dream comes true in LA and Brisbane.”
Jamie Blanchfield, Cycling Ireland National Para-cycling Coach, praised Gordon’s impactful career, stating:
“I’d like to congratulate Martin on a long and successful career. He exits the programme as a two-time Paralympian and has represented his country multiple times on the world stage, a track record he can be proud of! I wish Martin all the best in whatever comes next.”
Stephen McNamara, CEO of Paralympics Ireland, echoed the sentiment:
“On behalf of Paralympics Ireland, I want to extend our congratulations to Martin Gordon as he retires from competitive Para cycling today. As Martin’s competitive career, which spanned two Paralympic Games, is concluding, we must commend his commitment to Para sport. Martin’s passion for inclusion has been invaluable to Team Ireland, and we know that his influence will continue to encourage positive change in society. We are immensely proud of all he has accomplished over the course of his career and wish him every success in the next chapter of his journey.”
Martin Gordon’s illustrious Career Highlights include:
Para-cycling World Championship debut in 2017
Fifth in the Men’s B 1000m Time Trial at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games
Fifth in the Men’s B Sprint at the 2023 UCI World Championships
Sixth in the Men’s B 1km Time Trial at the 2024 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships
Fifth in the Men’s B 1000m Time Trial at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games
**Interview with Martin Gordon: Reflecting on a Remarkable Career in Para-Cycling**
*Interviewer (I):* Martin, first of all, congratulations on your incredible career and on your recent retirement from Para-cycling. How does it feel to close this chapter of your life?
*Martin Gordon (MG):* Thank you! It’s a mix of emotions, really. While I’m deeply grateful for every moment I’ve spent on the bike, there’s also a sense of fulfillment and peace knowing that I’ve given it my all, particularly at the recent Paris Games. It truly was the highlight of my career.
*I:* You started your journey in sports after losing your sight at a young age. Can you tell us how that pivotal moment shaped your path towards Para-cycling?
*MG:* Losing my sight was a life-altering experience, but it ignited a newfound passion in me. I remember doing that charity cycle from Mizen to Malin Head, which was my first time on a tandem bike. Although I didn’t complete the full route, it opened a door for me. It showed me that sports could be a tremendous way to connect with others and challenge myself.
*I:* You’ve had a great partnership with both Eamonn Byrne and Eoin Mullen. How did those collaborations influence your accomplishments?
*MG:* Every partnership brought its own unique dynamics. With Eamonn, we clicked really well and managed to secure silver at the 2018 UCI Track World Cup—an experience I’ll always treasure. When Eoin and I teamed up, we faced our fair share of challenges, including my crash before the Paris Games. Yet, we pushed through and managed to set a new Irish record together. Those moments defined my experience and brought us closer as teammates and friends.
*I:* You mentioned acknowledging those who’ve supported you throughout your career. Can you reflect on the importance of this support system?
*MG:* Absolutely. My family, particularly my partner Louise and daughter Nora, have been my rocks. Their ongoing encouragement kept me grounded. And my parents, Ronald and Margaret, have lifted me up; they believed in me from day one. Additionally, my coach Noel Murphy was instrumental in honing my abilities and helping me reach my peak performance. I owe so much of my success to these incredible people.
*I:* What’s next for you now that you’ve retired from competitive cycling?
*MG:* I’m excited about the future. While I don’t have a specific plan just yet, I hope to find my next adventure—whether it’s in sports, law, or another realm entirely. I’d love to continue advocating for adaptive sports and helping inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face.
*I:* is there a message you’d like to share with aspiring athletes, especially those with disabilities?
*MG:* Yes! I want them to know that challenges can be stepping stones to great things. It might be tough at times, but with passion, perseverance, and support, you can achieve incredible feats. Don’t be afraid to dream big and go after those dreams with everything you have!
*I:* Thank you, Martin, for sharing your journey and insights with us. We wish you the best in your future endeavors!
*MG:* Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.