Aileen Reid – Triathlon

Age: 34. Event: Triathlon. Hometown: Derry

Some Olympians are born, others discovered, and Reid qualifies on both counts – a talented runner and swimmer during her college years, before being discovered at a talent recognition day at Triathlon Ireland. Competing under her maiden name, Morrison, she qualified for London on the back of several international podium places, but it went badly wrong on the day after a crash on the wet bike course and she ended up 43rd. Wiser, stronger, and infinitely more experienced, the Derry woman qualified for Rio with room to spare, and is poised for that top-end finish on a tough course that suits her.

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Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics