Annalise Murphy qualifies Ireland for the 2016 Olympics in the Radial class
by Rachel Solon, Irish Sailing Association 17 Sep 2014 18:57 BST
17 September 2014
Annalise Murphy on day 5 of the ISAF Sailing World Championship © ISAF
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 20th overall from 120 boats and 16th 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 5th to a 43rd 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 28th and 21st 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 of the fleet in the first race of the day. Neck and neck with the world's best, she crossed the finish line in 13th place. This was exactly what she needed boosting her up to 20th overall and 16th nation.
Two further races had been scheduled but at 18.05 CEST the decision was made to cancel due to the lack of wind.