The first Irish-born athlete on this list, Delany became an Olympic hero for his nation in 1956. After struggling to make the national team for the Melbourne Summer Olympics, Delany won the country's first gold medal since 1932, winning the 1500 meters. Delany upset the heavily favored Australian John Landy, keeping with Landy before pulling ahead on the final lap to set an Olympic record. Delaney's gold was Ireland's last until Michael Carruth topped the podium in boxing in 1992.
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