Irish duo qualify for Olympics

Sailing:Peter O'Leary and David Burrows have officially qualified Ireland for the 2012 Olympics in the Star sailing discipline at the World Championships in Perth. They were lying in 11th place this morning – only the top 11 nations qualify – with three races ahead of them and the Italians, Swiss and Spanish all eager to take their position.

A seventh place in the first race eased the nerves and gave them some breathing space. However, the second race was where the real drama unfolded. They rounded the first mark in the mid twenties but had an incident with the Spanish boat; rather than risk disqualification they opted to take penalty turns.

This left them at the back of the fleet with Olympic dreams seemingly in tatters. However, the team dug deep and showed some real grit in making a comeback to finish the race in 13th, thus securing Ireland their third boat at the Olympics.

ISA Performance Director, James O’Callaghan remarked “The Stars certainly did not do it the easy way but they showed great character holding their nerve when it looked bleak during that second race. The programme has delivered on its target with the Irish Sports Council of getting three boats qualified early.”

Ireland’s James Espey had a rest day today. He is currently 32nd in the Laser fleet with the top 35 nations qualifying for London 2012. He will need a good performance tomorrow to ensure Ireland qualify in the Laser class.