What happened when a star Irish athlete was forced to compete in the Olympics for Britain.

What happened when a star Irish athlete was forced to compete in the Olympics for Britain.

In 1906 when all of Ireland was under British Rule three Irish athletes raised funds to compete for Ireland in the Athens games.

John Daly, Con Leahy, and Peter O'Connor made it clear that they wished to represent Ireland. However, Britain demanded that they compete under the British flag.

O’Connor finished second in the long jump competition and decided to act. After being award his silver medal he climbed to the top of the flagpole and unfurled a large green flag emblazoned with 'Erin go Bragh’.

His two Irish teammates and Irish American athletes guarded the flag pole during his protest!!

O’Connor’s silver medal is now recognized as an Irish victory.

H/T RTE