Get in the ring – virtually – with Olympic Boxer Mick Conlan

Electric Ireland, Official Energy Partner of Team Ireland for the 2016 Rio Olympics, have released a unique 360 degree video featuring Olympic hope Michael Conlan, as part of their sponsorship campaign, #ThePowerWithin.

With just one month to go until Games, bantamweight gold medal favourite Mick Conlan, took some time out from his intense training to join up with Electric Ireland and create an amazing sensory experience. The video transports the viewer into the body of a would-be opponent, giving them the chance to experience sparring with Conlan, with the help of a boxing coach. The 360 degree video creates the sensation of actually being in the ring with Conlan, even allowing viewers to experience what it’s like to be on the wrong end of a knockout punch from the 2015 World and European champ and 2012 Olympic bronze medallist.

This video delivers a glimpse at what is usually reserved for the 0.0001% who train their entire lives to become Olympians. The 360 degree video is best viewed using a 360 VR headset on mobile but is also viewable without headsets.

Describing his involvement in the campaign and his preparations for Brazil, Conlan said: “I’m often asked what it’s like to be in the ring, sparring with an opponent and now you can put yourself in that position to get a feel for what it’s like. I am fully committed and focused for what is ahead of me in Rio. That gold medal will be around my neck and I will bring it home for Ireland.”

Head of Marketing at Electric Ireland, Lisa Browne, added that“through Smarter Living, we are fully committed to providing our customers with the most sophisticated technology with the products and experiences we have on offer. Working with Team Ireland, we wanted to continue that vision and so created a piece of content which utilises state of the art 360 technology. The 360 degree video was created to promote Electric Ireland’s sponsorship of Team Ireland and it is our aim to inspire support amongst the Irish people for our Olympic athletes.”