Donegal Special Olympics athlete Patrick Quinlivan has made the decision to retire from competitive gymnastics after 25 years, following his gold medal performance in the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
As well as his job as a gymnastics coach at the Letterkenny Community Centre, Patrick also took time to concentrate on other sports that he was interested in, in particular Jiu-Jitsu.
Patrick began training with Jiu-Jitsu black belt Josie Murray 18 years ago and, despite, being committed to gymnastics, would turn up for training any time he was free.
Josie described Patrick as one of the hardest working, loyal and committed pupils he had the pleasure of training.
“Patrick is built like a natural athlete; slim, strong, flexible and solid, with great base, balance and gentle personality, which suits the ethos of Jiu-Jitsu,” he said.
Patrick and Josie recently travelled to Bridlington in the UK to represent Ireland in the World Gathering of Grand Masters & Masters 2022, which was attended by representatives from 21 countries.
On the final day of the event, Patrick was awarded his Purple Belt in front of a huge audience.
Grand Master Stuart Hicken commended Patrick as he presented Patrick with his belt, saying that he truly deserved it and that even his warmup was eye-opening and superb.
Patrick is now the conditioning coach with Josie’s club, that has trained many champions over the years.
This is obviously not the last that will be heard of this local athlete, who takes “retiring” to a whole new level.
