The road to Rio is long, but gets shorter by the day, as the countdown continues to next summer’s games in Brazil.
Ireland will be sending dozens of competitors, with many already putting the finishing touches to their preparations
However, two Irish hopefuls now race a race against time to try and get their qualification for the biggest sporting event in the world secured after a cruel twist of fate on Saturday in Argentina.
Dun Laoghaire’s duo Andrea Brewster and Saskia Tidey were in action in Buenos Aires at the 49erfx World Championships.
There was three spots available for those hoping to make it to Rio next year, and they ended the weekend’s action in 16th place, and in line to secure one of the crucial places.
The women initially thought they had qualified for Rio after their performance, but Canada objected to the result, and on appeal they were instead awarded the Irish place at next year’s event when Ireland were bumped down to 19th place.
It’s understood Canada’s appeal was based on an unspecified incident that occurred on the first race of the day.
Congratulations to Erin Rafuse & Danielle Boyd, qualifying Canada for @rio2016brasil in the 49erFX! 1st NA nation to qualify for the games!
— 49erNA (@49erNA) November 21, 2015
All is not lost yet however the Irish pair can still qualify next spring at an event in Europe. However there is just one spot available at the Pricesca Sofia Trophy with Norway also looking for a place.
Some sickener for the Irish 49erFX sailing team who thought they had qualified for the Olympics but were disqualified on objection
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) November 21, 2015
They still have a chance though, apparently, depending on vacancies from the Continental qualifiers. It seems it happens. #fingerscrossed
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) November 21, 2015
