Annalise Murphy Has Qualified Ireland for the 2016 Olympics

 

Annalise Murphy from Providence Team IRL has today (17 September) become the second sailor to qualify Ireland for the 2016 Olympics. Competing at the first Olympic Qualifier in Spain, Murphy has finished 20^th overall from 120 boats and 16^th nation. Only the top 19 nations, from a total of 58, earned their country the chance to compete at the Games in Brazil in two years’ time.

 

The 23 year old from Rathfarnham, who competes in the Laser Radial class, had a mixed performance at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander where 50% of the Olympic places were awarded. Her results ranged from a 5^th to a 43^rd in what were light conditions for the majority of the regatta. Today was the final day of racing and the final chance for Murphy to qualify. Overnight she was 28^th and 21^st nation so everything hinged on her performance in today’s scheduled three races.

 

The wind had arrived this morning averaging about 20 knots. With no room for error, Murphy catapulted herself to the top pf the fleet in the first race of the day. Neck and neck with the world’s best, she crossed the finish line in 13^th place. This was exactly what she needed boosting her up to 20^th overall and 16^th nation.

 

Two further races had been scheduled but at 18.05 CEST the decision was made to cancel due to the lack of wind.