A 27-year-old from North Rockland is heading to the Olympic Games in Paris, representing Ireland in shot put.

Eric Favors, who graduated from North Rockland High School, has dual citizenship.

The last time Ireland was represented in the sport at the Olympic level was 30 years ago before he was born.

News 12 spoke with his family Wednesday as Favors trains and prepares for his debut.

"It's always been his dream and the first day I cried, it was probably the other day. I'm just very proud of him. He worked very hard for this,” said Teresa Hyman, Favors' mother during an interview outside of the Copper Still in Pomona where the family will have a watch party ceremony Friday afternoon for the opening ceremonies. "He is just such a hard worker. He was a premature baby. He was only 5 pounds. They didn't think he would survive and just to see him now. It's a miracle."

"I’m extremely proud. I couldn't be more proud,” said Darius Favors, Eric’s older brother during a Zoom interview from his New Jersey home. "To see it come to fruition - it's really - it's really amazing. Everyone in our family is really happy for him."

His family will be heading to Paris to cheer him on.

"I just can't wait to spend that time with my family and enjoy every minute of it,” said Hyman.

"I've always watched it. I've always admired it. But now that I know I'm going to be there watching my own brother,” said Darius Favors. “I'm going to be screaming extra hard. Extra loud.”

When he’s not training, Eric Favors works as a bouncer and in IT for a school district.