Hand operation won't affect Donnelly's Olympic preparations

The Ballymena boxer underwent surgery to repair a long-running hand injury last week but is determined his recovery period won’t affect his preparation for the Games.

“I’ve had the injury for over a year now - it’s all about getting it sorted for Rio.

“I’m flying fit as it is so it won’t affect me too much.

“The operation went well and I’m feeling good.

As if to prove his point, Donnelly posted photos on his social media as he got down to a gym session at the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland at the weekend, with his left hand heavily strapped, adding: “I thought having an injury would ease the training, not at all.”

Donnelly had also posted on his Twitter account last week, marking the milestone of 100 days until the start of the Games in Brazil.

He Tweeted: “The dream is alive and well. Goosebumps when u think about it. My big chance.”

Donnelly is one of six Irish boxers who have already secured their place in Rio, with one bookmaker offering odds of 33/1 on Steven bringing a gold medal back to Ballymena.