Irish team at the ILCA Laser Standard Men's Worlds at Miho Bay, Japan - Overall
by Gail MacAllister 9 Jul 08:58 PDT
4-9 July 2019
2019 Laser World Championship at Sakaiminato, Japan © Junichi Hirai / Bulkhead Magazine Japan
In a highly competitive final at the Laser World Championship in Sakaiminato, Japan earlier today (Tuesday 9th July 2019) Ireland were unable to qualify for Tokyo 2020 at this opportunity.
Australia's Tom Burton, Gold medalist from Rio, took the title followed closely by team mate Mathew Wearn.
Finn Lynch (Bennekerry, Co. Carlow) was best placed to achieve qualification, even on the final day but required two single digit results, form that he previously demonstrated at three big regattas earlier this year. However, Lynch ended the championship in 40th overall.
Ewan McMahon (Howth, Co. Dublin) placed a solid 50th for his debut at senior level world championship while Liam Glynn (Bangor, Co. Down) in only his second worlds made the top 100.
"For sure, the result is disappointing, especially after such a strong season," commented James O'Callaghan, Irish Sailing's Performance Director. "However, sport always has highs and lows, the key thing now is to bounce back and be ready for Genoa."
O'Callaghan added: "When you see the strength of nations like Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain (who dominated the top 10 along with France and Germany) it gives you confidence that the "one nation one team" approach is the way forward. We have a young team of three athletes, all with high potential; we just need to have faith in the process."
While attention now turns to next week's women's Olympic qualifier at the Laser Radial World Championship, also at Sakaiminato, a detailed debriefing session of the men's event and the next qualification opportunity at the Sailing World Cup in Genoa in April 2020 will also be a top priority.
The Laser Radial World Championship begins next Thursday (18th July 2019) featuring Aoife Hopkins (Howth, Co. Dublin) and Aisling Keller (Tipperary) both aiming to secure a place for Ireland at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.