John celebrated his 60th birthday this week, but like the other 1,330 athletes at the World Transplant Games, he remembers only too clearly a time when he feared he might not see his next birthday.

“Life is precious, share it” was the motto of the16th World Games which came to an end at an emotional closing ceremony in Bangkok yesterday (SATURDAY), and, all through the week, nobody took the key message of the Games for granted.

“I contracted a rare virus in 1992 that nearly killed me – this led to the deterioration of my kidney function. I was on home dialysis for a year which was tough. I was attached to a machine for ten hours every night so I had to structure my life around the dialysis,” recalled John.

But the world opened up for him again in October 2000 when he got a kidney transplant, and that’s why he was so relaxed for Friday’s final. From the gun, Great Britain’s Derek Johnson – a 70-year old veteran of these Games – stole a yard on him in the first 30 metres, but former hurler John dug in and almost snatched the gold in a thrilling finish that had the crowd on their feet.

“I will treasure this medal forever,” said John afterwards. “It means a huge amount to be just able to take part again in sport. It is amazing to think that every competitor in every event has a new organ inside their bodies – maybe a new heart or a new kidney – and that they all have come through very dark days in their lives.

“The Games are an amazing experience. After every event, you find people hugging each other, and crying.
People looking on find it hard to hold back the tears too. Because everyone knows what everyone else has been through. There’s a great camaraderie because no matter what you do at Games like this, you’ve already won your greatest battle ever.”

The Irish team were among the big favourites of the Games as they combined the serious business of the athletics with a strong social calendar. “More than anything else, we encourage people to enjoy these Games,” said team captain Deirdre Faul.

“They have prepared well for the Games, and they like to give their event the best shot they can, but they also like to savour the whole atmosphere. For many people it brings up a lot of emotions, and they get a great sense of appreciating just how good it is to be alive.”

Butcher James Nolan also brought tears to the eyes of the Irish contingent when he picked up a Bronze medal in the ultra-competitive Men’s 400m final. Twenty years ago, James’ sister Catherine donated a kidney to keep him alive, and he has grabbed his new chance at life with both hands.

“Catherine was a 100 per cent match and I am so grateful to her for giving me the gift of life. It was a phenomenal act of courage by her,” said the butcher from Kilcullen, Co. Kildare.

Since getting the kidney, he has trekked in the Andes and Mount Everest, ridden a winner at the Punchestown festival, and raised over €1m through his transplant charity.

“It is something else to be here, wearing the Irish singlet, and winning a medal. It reminds me once again just how lucky I am. For me, it’s a way of saying thanks to my family, especially Catherine, and for every family that ever made the decision to donate the organs of loved ones.”

The other key message of the Games is to urge people to carry an organ donor card. “We had 142 kidney transplants in Ireland last year but sadly the number of people going onto dialysis was three times that, and we simply need to create more awareness about the necessity of carrying a donor card and informing your family of your wishes is also important,” added James.

“Please - don’t bring your organs to heaven – because heaven knows we need them here on earth.”

The Irish team will return to Dublin Airport on Tuesday evening with over 20 medals. And, already, John Loftus wants to go one step further. “I won’t relax until I win the Gold medal in the 100m,” he said, “and my training starts immediately. Life is too good now not to set new challenges.”

You can follow the athletes’ progress on www.transplantteamireland.com. For an organ donor card free text the word ‘DONOR’ to 50050 or for more information log on to www.ika.ie